Mining Minds

In this episode, we discuss what it takes to build something that actually lasts in the mining industry — not just in business, but in people, culture, and legacy. Join us in the studio with Matt Coffin, Vice President of Mining for N.A. Degerstrom, for a grounded, real-world conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the long game of building in mining. From early career lessons and taking calculated risks to navigating growth, setbacks, and responsibility, Matt shares what it means to evolve alongside the industry rather than chase it. This episode dives into the realities behind building and scaling, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why trust, accountability, and consistency matter more than quick wins. Matt opens up about lessons learned through experience — both the wins and the hard moments — and how those have shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making. Please help us welcome Matt Coffin to The Face. Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator  Chapters: 00:00 Building Something That Lasts 08:45 Early Career Lessons & Getting Started 16:20 Taking Risks & Betting on Yourself 24:05 Learning Through Failure & Setbacks 32:10 Leadership Through Experience, Not Title 40:25 Building the Right Team Around You 48:40 Culture, Accountability & Trust 57:15 Scaling Challenges & Growing Pains 01:05:30 Workforce Realities in Mining Today 01:13:10 Balancing Business, Life & Responsibility 01:21:45 Staying Grounded While Pushing Forward 01:30:20 Long-Term Vision & Industry Impact

What if the biggest challenge in mining leadership isn't strategy, production, or policy — but the brain? In this episode of Mining Minds, David Watson, founder of NeuroLead, joins us in the studio for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead — starting with yourself. From humble beginnings in Australia to the iron ore boom, David shares his journey from carpenter to supervisor to breaking point — and how a deep dive into the neuroscience of leadership transformed not only his career but his life. This episode unpacks cognitive bias, burnout, trauma, identity, and the toxic validation cycle that many high performers quietly live in. David explains how the brain is wired to maximize rewards, minimize threats, and conserve energy — and how those shortcuts can either elevate or sabotage leaders. We dive into why traditional leadership training often misses the mark, why credibility matters more than PowerPoint slides, and why self-awareness is the foundation of influence. David also shares how hitting "static mode," creating flow, and deliberately repairing mental health are not luxuries — they are leadership responsibilities. Please welcome David Watson to The Face! www.NeuroLead.net.au   Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator   Episode Chapters: 05:30 Growing Up In Australia 10:42 First Leadership Breakthrough 16:23 Tall Poppy Syndrome Explained 21:19 From Carpentry To Mining Boom 28:33 Mining Town Reality Check 38:51 First Mine Job Trade Assistant 56:09 Leading Without Being Expert 01:11:06 Managing Up With Company Values 01:25:22 Find Your Static Mode 01:48:55 Neuroscience Study Shift 02:12:17 Launching Neuro Lead 02:23:59 Lead Yourself First 02:39:40 Life Changing Feedback

What happens when a Hopi tribal member steps into one of mining's most complex spaces — not to fight it blindly, not to defend it blindly — but to bridge it? We sit down with LeRoy Shingoitewa of WestLand Resources at the AEMA Annual Meeting for one of the most powerful and perspective-shifting conversations we've had to date. Raised in Moenkopi, Arizona — where some villages still live without running water or electricity by choice — LeRoy shares what it means to carry ancestral responsibility into modern industry. From hauling water at his grandmother's home to biology, to cultural resource consultant, LeRoy explains how traditional ecological knowledge and Western science can coexist — and why both are critical in today's mining landscape. We dive into tribal sovereignty, legacy uranium impacts, water rights, permitting reform, trust-building, consultation breakdowns, NGO pressure, and what real partnership between tribes and mining companies actually looks like. This isn't a surface-level conversation. It's about preservation, accountability, education, and long-term relationship building. It's about starting with respect instead of checking a box. And it's about one man choosing to stand in the middle — not for money, not for politics — but to make sure his people have a voice at the table. Please help us welcome LeRoy Shingoitewa to the Face. Big thanks to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for having Mining Minds out at the event. We truly appreciate the opportunity and the work you continue to do to support and elevate the voices across our mining industry. Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator JSR Fleet Performance PC-Reps   Chapters:  04:12 Growing Up Hopi: Tradition by Choice 14:48 Tribal Monitors & Entering Mining 20:03 Building Trust After Broken Promises 26:40 Why Early Consultation Matters 32:18 Economic Benefits vs. Cultural Preservation 38:12 Bloodlines, Identity & Sovereignty 45:03 Water, Coal & Hard Lessons 51:00 Western Degrees & Tribal Responsibility 57:42 NGOs, Money & Accountability 01:04:50 Mining 101 & Changing the Narrative 01:10:05 Preserving Culture While Engaging Industry

From working road construction in the Midwest to leading a nationally recognized advocacy organization, Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Backyards, has taken a path that is anything but typical. We explore how entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in responsible development transformed a small regional initiative into a multi-state platform amplifying the voice of mining and industrial projects across America. Ryan shares how he bet on himself, left corporate security, and built a brand during COVID by teaching himself design, digital outreach, and advocacy. We dive deep into permitting reform, rural vs. urban perspectives, refining bottlenecks, national security, critical minerals, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Ryan shares lessons on partnership, collaboration over competition, and why mining's future depends on unified messaging and bold advocacy. Please help us welcome Ryan Sistad to the Face. A huge thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for everything you do to support and amplify the voices across our mining industry.   Episode Sponsors: American Exploration and Mining Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator  PC Reps   Chapters:  04:02 Crop insurance, trucking, and union ties 12:17 The entrepreneur itch vs corporate grind 15:38 Minnesota NGOs vs mining: permitting and urban/rural divide 24:33 Checks, balances, and the cost of endless litigation (NEPA) 30:25 Reclamation stories that change minds + Minnesota mine examples 40:07 Mentors, career pivots, and the Tulsa data center money move 44:19 Early Better In Our Backyard: Young Pros, Branding, and Finding a Lane 47:15 From 5 Members to 50: Social Media Value-First Growth Strategy 52:20 Funding Reality Check: Sponsorships, Value, and Playing the Long Game 01:04:28 Partnering with Associations & Connecting Dots Across Projects 01:11:31 Favorite Projects + Boots-on-the-Ground Credibility

Recorded at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association Annual Meeting, this Mining Minds episode features Walsh Reclamation Operations Manager Troy Hawkins. Troy shares his background as a ninth-generation miner and reflects on how his father—a self-described "tramp miner"—was his hero and shaped his values around respect, hard work, and character over credentials. He discusses growing up in a small mining town, leaving school early, and entering the mining industry alongside his family. Troy reflects on his 23-year career at one operation, where he began as a haul truck driver and advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Once a rebellious young operator, he evolved into a people-focused leader who prioritizes morale, respect, and personal connection—building high-performing crews through trust and genuine care. Please help us welcome Troy Hawkins to The Face. We would like to thank the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for hosting Mining Minds at the event and for their ongoing dedication to advancing and amplifying voices throughout the mining industry.   Episode Sponsors:  American Exploration and Mining Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator    Episode Chapters:  05:05 Feral Mining-Town Childhood & How Kids Are Different Now 12:18 School Struggles, Sports Dreams, and Learning Outside the Classroom 33:34 "Your long hair will never make you successful" — proving them wrong 39:14 When leadership gets personal 47:22 How he builds trust 55:40 Hiring without the script: real interviews, real people 01:01:27 Marriage & support system 01:12:04 First Date at Carver's 01:16:20 Stepping into Walsh 01:22:54 Scaling Up with Trust 01:24:18 Why People Take a Pay Cut to Work for Good Leaders 01:33:10 Pucker Factor Stories

Join Mining Minds at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, as we sit down with Milan Calendine, geoscientist and marketing manager. In this episode, we reflect on the success of the newly introduced Mining Marketing Summit, led by Milan and her outstanding team of marketing and industry experts.  Milan also shares her journey from environmental science to marketing, highlighting the critical role marketing plays in today's mining industry. The conversation expands to the importance of effective communication, personal branding, and community engagement, underscoring the need for mining companies to embrace innovative marketing strategies and leadership development. Please help us welcome Milan Calendine to the Face!  Thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for continuing to support and elevate voices across the mining industry. Sponsors: American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Safety First Training and Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator  JSR Fleet Performance    Chapters:   03:21 Milan's Background and Upbringing 06:38 Growing Up in Tucson 13:25 College Journey and Challenges 19:32 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles 27:11 Ego and Confidence in Leadership 32:23 Starting a Career in Environmental Science 35:52 First Impressions of the Mining Industry 39:32 Marketing and Geophysics 46:35 The PR Problem in Mining 58:26 The Importance of Marketing in Mining 01:00:39 Developing a Unified Marketing Message 01:05:32 The Mining Marketing Summit Vision  

Sitting down with Mining Minds at the Utah Mining Association's 110th Annual Convention is Trevor Hall, co-founder and host of the Mining Stock Daily podcast. Trevor shares his journey of creating and growing his widely respected podcast—from early mornings dedicated to mining news to building a robust content network. He discusses the origins, challenges, and evolution of the venture, noting that recording and publishing mining news before the market opens became the core ethos of the podcast—one he has meticulously maintained for over eight years. We also explore Trevor's background, the inspiration behind his work, and his insights into the commodities market. Listeners can expect a compelling look into the media business within the mining industry, the importance of consistency, and Trevor's vision for the future of the Clear Commodity Network—an umbrella platform for commodities-focused content. This episode highlights the dedication, passion, and strategic thinking required to produce meaningful content in a specialized market. Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.  Episode Sponsors: Utah Mining Association Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Chapters: 02:41 Trevor's Background and Education 04:48 Discovering Mining 08:06 Starting the Mining Stock Daily Podcast 11:26 Building a Media Business 14:57 Collaborating and Expanding 22:21 Understanding Commodity Prices 22:27 Dynamic Content and Value Addition 22:49 Vision and Partnerships 25:11 Building Clear Commodity Network 28:08 Challenges and Future Plans  

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Kevin Neville at the Utah Mining Association Convention to unpack a raw, honest journey through underground hard rock mining, international contract work, and the realities of chasing success without losing yourself along the way. From his first awe-filled moments descending a shaft at Resolution Copper to managing the mental, physical, and emotional toll of long rotations in Mexico, Kevin shares what it truly means to grow up in the mining industry. Kevin talks about the value of hard work learned early in life, the power of mentors who shape careers underground, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it costs you more than a paycheck. We dive into mining culture, leadership lessons, work-life balance, and why underground mining still holds a special place in his heart—even after stepping into a new chapter outside the mine. Please help us welcome Kevin Neville to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.   Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine & Radiator    Episode Chapters:  02:56 High School and Early Adulthood 07:00 Mission Experience in Argentina 29:13 Learning from History and Leadership 29:43 Gratitude and Mentorship in Mining 31:16 Challenges and Misconceptions in Mining 49:56 Venturing into International Mining 01:00:57 Balancing Family and Work Life 01:01:09 Reconnecting with Old Friends 01:02:40 Career Transitions and Challenges 01:05:55 Finding Fulfillment in a New Role

Back at it again with the second episode of The Safe Word, where real conversations driven by you—the listeners—are unpacked by seasoned miners with decades of experience. This raw, unscripted discussion tackles some of the most debated—and often misunderstood—topics in mining safety, cutting through policy talk to focus on what actually matters at the face. The conversation begins with safety glasses, examining when they are truly necessary, where the line exists between compliance and over-policing, and how to balance company policy, MSHA standards, and real-world hazard awareness without losing credibility with the workforce. We then shift into a deeper discussion on whether all accidents are preventable, exploring the realities of the human element, external factors, and the role of safety professionals in influencing behavior without becoming "the safety cop." Finally, the episode takes a hard look at complacency—how routine, fatigue, confidence, and attitude can quietly erode situational awareness, and why addressing complacency requires awareness and leadership, not just additional rules.   Chapters:  01:31 Safety Glasses Debate 18:03 Philosophical Safety Questions 22:48 Understanding Risk Assessments 23:58 The Importance of JSAs 26:55 Learning from Experience 30:44 Complacency vs. Confidence 32:50 The Human Element in Safety 40:57 Attitude and Work Ethic

In this thought-provoking episode, Mining Minds, sit down with Lyndsay Wright, Executive Director of the Women's Mining Coalition, for an honest, wide-ranging conversations. From growing up in Texas to working in real estate finance, navigating burnout, and ultimately finding purpose in mining advocacy, Lyndsay shares a career journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and authenticity. This episode goes far beyond job titles. Lyndsay opens up about mental health, work ethic, generational shifts, burnout, leadership styles, and why understanding people is just as critical as understanding numbers. The conversation dives deep into the realities of mining today — workforce challenges, permitting hurdles, advocacy in Washington, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the urgent need to tell mining's story in a way people can actually connect with. Please help us Welcome Lyndsey Wright to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.   Women's Mining Coalition Fly-in Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veVuZBA76Q0   Episode Sponsors:    Utah Mining Association  JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine & Radiator    Chapters:    08:25 Growing Up, Sports, and Early Identity 15:00 Work Ethic, Mentorship, and Learning to Grind 22:15 Corporate Refinement vs. Entrepreneurial Chaos 31:46 Burnout, Mental Health, and Knowing When to Pivot 39:57 Entering Mining: A Leap of Faith That Stuck 47:31 Boots on the Ground: Why Operations Matter 54:27 Discovering the Women's Mining Coalition 58:05 Fly-Ins to DC: Telling Mining's Human Story 01:06:20 The Missing Voice of Mining in Government 01:17:06 Rebuilding and Reenergizing WMC

We close out 2025 with a special episode recorded live from the Glizzy Golf Tournament at the Elko Municipal Golf Course — a one-of-a-kind event that continues to bring the mining industry together in the most authentic way possible. This episode is a fast-paced, round-table style snapshot of the people who make mining what it is. From engineers, geotechnical and environmental professionals, surveyors, metallurgists, and processing leaders, to first-generation miners and seasoned veterans — Glizzy Golf is where backgrounds, disciplines, and companies collide on common ground. With over 60 participants and a growing mix of returning players and first-timers, this tournament has become a true reflection of the mining community — collaborative, competitive, welcoming, and built on shared respect. As we wrap up the final episode of 2025, this one stands as a testament to why Mining Minds exists: to tell the stories of the people behind the industry and highlight the connections that keep it moving forward. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. Here's to 2026, more conversations, and another year of growing the Mining Minds community. Happy New Year — and stay safe.   Chapters: 1:33 – 7:42 James Macpherson & Josh Hayes 7:46 – 20:43 Logan Connolly 20:47 – 26:30 Justin Samardzic 26:33 – 33:19 Jake Oakley 33:23 – 39:49 Rolo Rodriguez 39:53 – 57:35 Lauren Shyluk 57:39 – 1:02:29 Vince Quintero 1:02:33 – 1:13:21 Samantha McCleary

Before the citations. Before the regulations. Before the arguments—there's people. In the first-ever Safe Word segment of Mining Minds, Grover sits down with longtime mentor, former MSHA inspector, and no-nonsense safety professional Jim Hoover to have the conversations most safety meetings never do. This episode strips away the myths, the fear, and the finger-pointing around mining safety and replaces them with something better: honesty, experience, and critical thinking. They break down what MSHA actually does (and doesn't do), why citations aren't cash grabs, and how perception, personality, and human judgment shape every inspection. From the difference between being compliant and being truly safe, to why asking why matters more than memorizing the 30 CFR, this episode is about understanding safety—not weaponizing it. You'll hear real stories from the pit and the inspector's side, hard lessons learned early in a career, and why building relationships—rather than hiding when inspectors show up—can make operations safer for everyone. Brass in—join the conversation and be a part of The Safe Word.   Chapters: 01:50 Why This Safety Conversation Started 02:41 Opinion, Experience, and Inviting Disagreement 07:52 Mining Safety Myths: Do Inspectors Get Paid for Citations? 10:55 The Human Element of Inspections 13:26 Understanding the 30 CFR and Asking "Why" 17:48 Real-World Example 22:34 Regional Differences and Interpretation of Standards 29:05 Inspectors as a Resource, Not the Enemy 35:32 Recognizing Good Work and Building Safety Culture

Join Mining Minds from the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference as we sit down with Don Neff, Security Manager and longtime Nevadan. Don shares his journey from growing up in Elko County to serving in the Air Force's photo-recon field, working as a Nevada Highway Patrol officer, and ultimately finding his place in mining safety. Drawing on decades of experience, Don talks about reading people, leading through influence, and navigating the impact of emerging technology, autonomy, and AI on mine safety. He breaks down the importance of true partnerships—especially in contractor management—and the need for meaningful engagement, strong systems, and asking the right "what if" questions. Please help us welcome Don Neff to the Face! Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for providing us the opportunity to participate in this event.  Event Sponsor:  Safety First Training and Consulting Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance  Liebherr Mining  Chapters: 00:45 Growing Up Nevada 01:40 High School, Sports, and Early Ambitions 02:30 Joining the Air Force & Seeing the World 05:45 Culture Shock Abroad 07:40 Returning Home & Working for Nevada Highway Patrol 09:00 Policing During Nevada's Mining Boom 12:30 From Law Enforcement to Mining Safety 14:45 Technology, Autonomy & Safety Skepticism 18:40 Regulation Gaps & Challenges with MSHA 25:00 Leading Indicators, Engagement & Safety Culture 31:00 Contractor Management & True Partnerships 35:45 Moving Into Security 39:30 Mentorship, Leadership & Final Thoughts

In this energized episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Adrienne Clinton, a driving force behind the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference and a rising leader in mining safety. From her early days in law enforcement to her unexpected path into security, safety, and now industry leadership, Adrienne shares her story full of humor and passion for people. This episode explores the real human challenges inside mining — mental health, generational differences, communication barriers, culture shifts, regulatory frustrations, and the everyday wins that shape safer operations. Adrienne opens up about bombing the interview that actually changed her life, stepping into safety with no prior background, building community partnerships, advocating for new miners, and helping grow a national conference. Please help us welcome Adrienne Clinton to the Face.  Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for giving us the opportunity to participate in this event.   Event Sponsor: Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Sponsors:  Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Liebherr Mining   Chapers:    01:45 The Conversation That Changed Everything 03:06 Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Industry Family 04:15 Growing Up Nevada: Law Enforcement to Mining 05:44 Returning Home & an Interview Gone Wrong (But Right) 08:10 Getting the Job, Earning Trust & Building Opportunity 11:40 Florida Canyon Culture & Showing up to support safety 15:57 Challenges of Safety: New Miners, Old Mindsets 17:48 Bridging Generations 20:02 The "Goggles" Story & Earning Stripes in the Field 24:15 Why Mining Won Her Over: Impact, Growth & Community 49:42 Building a National Safety Conference & What's Next

In this episode of Mining Minds, Dino and Grover sit down with longtime miner, electrician, and leader Jason Bohl for an unfiltered conversation about life inside the industry — from early apprenticeships to leadership pressures, from underground lessons to personal turning points. Jason walks us through a career built on work ethic, motivation, and authenticity, sharing how he learned to "figure it out," how mentors shaped him, and how staying self-driven opened unexpected doors. We also dive into the real side of mining: burnout, mental health, navigating fatherhood while working long hours, rebuilding after setbacks, and redefining success. Jason opens up about resilience, responsibility, supporting the next generation, and finding balance after years of nonstop grind. Please help us welcome Jason Bohl to the Face! Event Sponsor: Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Sponsors:  Safety First Training and Consulting Liebherr Mining JSR Fleet Performance   Chapters:    01:18 Welcome to the Mine Safety & Health Conference 03:06 Montana Roots & Moving to a Mining Town 04:56 Football, Fitting In & Finding Community 07:11 Entering the Mining Industry & Early Electrical Training 11:41 First Days Underground & Learning by Doing 20:59 Wyoming Oil Sands: Building a Mine from Scratch 29:04 Returning to Nevada & Joining Cortez Underground 38:08 Leadership Lessons: VFL, Culture & Human Connection 54:13 Burnout, Balance & The Mental Side of Mining 1:06:10 New Beginnings: Family, Career Reset & The Future Miner

Join Mining Minds as we look back on years of conversations, growth, and lessons learned from the people who power the mining industry. This special anniversary episode dives deep into the heart of who we are — the stories that shaped us, the communities that supported us, and our evolution from a simple idea to a respected industry voice. From traveling the country, launching new video platforms, and building workforce development content, to sharing emotional guest stories, advocating for mental health, and expanding our network of miners, leaders, innovators, and veterans — this episode highlights our past, our present, and the exciting future ahead. You'll hear our behind-the-scenes reflections, favorite guest moments, and updates on new initiatives, including The Safe Word safety segment of the podcast, upcoming industry panel discussions, children's mining education projects, and our Military to Mining program. We also share how we plan to continue amplifying the industry in 2026 and beyond.   Thank you to everyone who has supported—and continues to support—our mission to be "The Voice Inside The Industry." Here's to the next 200!   Episode Mentions: Clorinda and Sean Cosper, Rodrigo Barbosa, Michael Hartley, Ida Rukavina, Kristen Vake, Matt Lucas, Julie Lucas, Talia Sandys, Alexia Carver, Liz Diaz, Don Dwyer, Nikita Grover, Linda Honey, Victor Ortiz, Trampus Cook, Jessica Scanlan, Jennie Davis, Jerry Rynearson, Joel Lerner, Nate Goerke, Conway Fraser, Vern Goglio, Alan Franklin, Holly Gallian, Sean Gallian, John Metzger, Richard Mallen, Sam Faga, Jason James, Josh Sumption, Torqn, Michael Zolotov, Leetha Reeves, Chuy Herrera, Hector Denogean, Jess Kindler, Kimberlee Longley, Amanda Hilton, Cory Rockwell, James Hoover, Ben Powell, Brent Adams, Matt Hillard   Episode Sponsors: JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator  Liebherr Mining   Episode Chapters:  00:00 Kicking Off Episode 200 01:01 Looking Back on the Journey 03:08 Growth, Travel & Industry Support 05:03 Authentic Voices of Mining 07:12 Mental Health, Vulnerability & Real Stories 09:51 Lessons From 200 Conversations 13:22 Workplace Culture & Standout Guests 16:11 Ideas, Innovation & Industry Collaboration 20:47 Mining Solutions & Global Insights 23:36 Most Impactful Episodes & Emotional Moments 30:31 The Future: Presentations, Video, Events & New Segments 40:55 Military To Mining, Projects & What's Ahead

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down at the Mine Safety & Health Conference with returning guest Diane Watson — a respected safety professional, MSHA veteran, and industry leader dedicated to improving safety culture across mining. Originally featured on Episode #93, Diane returns to share her passion for connecting people, fostering communication, and ensuring the next generation of miners understands the "why" behind safety. From her start as a haul truck operator to her time with MSHA and now as the founder of Silverado Compliance Solutions, Diane talks mentorship, accountability, leadership, and the challenges of evolving safety standards in a fast-changing industry. Catch both of Diane's episodes on all major podcast platforms.   Event Sponsor: Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Sponsors:  Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Liebherr Minining   Chapters:    02:24 Reconnecting with Diane Watson: From Episode #93 to Now 06:04 Passing the Torch: Mentorship and Losing Industry Knowledge 08:43 Communication, Culture, and the Importance of "Why" 10:48 Compliance vs. Culture: Turning Rules into Conversations 13:20 From MSHA to Silverado Compliance Solutions 16:27 Teaching Supervisors: The Role of Responsibility and Accountability 19:30 Defining "Agents of the Company" and Ownership in Safety 23:11 Building Relationships with Inspectors and Regulators 34:19 Technology, AI, and the Future of Mine Safety Standards 37:10 The Human Element: Mental Health and Worker Connection 40:42 Big Companies, Bigger Culture — Keeping People First 50:06 Integrity in Consulting and Working with Purpose 53:18 Collaboration, Community, and What Keeps Diane Motivated

In this cutting-edge episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Michael Hartley, Managing Director of InterKnowlogy, a North American AI and performance visualization company revolutionizing how the mining industry makes decisions. From his early years in Nova Scotia to his global career in oil, gas, and mining, Michael shares a fascinating journey that connects human performance, data-driven decision-making, and the future of AI in industrial operations. With real-world lessons, Michael breaks down how human factors engineering and artificial intelligence can change safety, efficiency, and leadership across the mining world. Discover how InterKnowlogy's Command Center and Caddi technologies are transforming decision-making at every level — from operators to executives — by helping people make better, faster, and smarter choices. This episode dives into technology, leadership, and the human side of innovation — a must-listen for anyone passionate about mining's future, workforce development, and real-world applications of AI in heavy industry. Please help us Welcome Michael Hartley to the Face!   Episode Sponsors:   Liebherr Mining JSR Fleet Performance  Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals    Episode Chapters:   03:00 – From Nova Scotia Roots to a Global Perspective 06:15 – Human Factors Engineering: The Science Behind Better Decisions 09:40 – Turning Data into Smarter, Safer Mining 13:10 – Lessons from his early career 18:30 – Mining's Future: Transparency, Trust, and Transformation 23:45 – AI Meets Mining: The Birth of Caddi 31:20 – The Human Element of Artificial Intelligence 38:00 – Changing Culture Through Smarter Decision-Making 45:50 – The Power of Visualization and Real-Time Insight 53:25 – Workforce Development and the Next Generation of Miners 01:20:00 – Building the Future of Mining with InterKnowlogy

From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at Great Basin College (GBC/NORCAT), Travis Macias embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds, Travis shares his raw, real journey through life underground — from hard lessons on the jackleg to leading Nevada's next generation of miners. He opens up about fatherhood, faith, mentorship, and how tragedy and resilience guided his purpose. Whether you're a miner, mentor, or dreamer, this is an episode about humility, perseverance, and the power of giving a damn. Travis reflects on the old-school lessons that forged his work ethic, the mentors who pushed him to be better, and the importance of accountability both at work and at home. He dives deep into how mining shaped his character — and how he's now shaping the future of the industry through education and innovation. Tune in for real talk, laughs, and life lessons from a man who's lived it, led it, and continues to pay it forward. Please help us Welcome Travis Macias to the Face!    Episode Sponsors: JSR Fleet Performance  Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Motor Mission Machine and Radiator    Episode Chapters:  04:12 – Growing Up Carlin Tough 08:41 – When Home Becomes a Time, Not a Place 13:21 – Hard Lessons and Humility Underground 16:42 – Safety, Tragedy, and the Moment Everything Changed 27:26 – Tough Bosses, Tough Love, Real Growth 36:26 – Workforce Development: Then vs. Now 40:08 – Brotherhood, Bar Fights, and Bonds Built Underground 54:05 – Leaving the Mine: Building a Gym, Building Character 01:17:13 – Entering Training: Teaching the Next Generation 01:43:33 – Technology, VR, and Immersive Mining Education 01:53:07 – Raising Up Others, Not Holding Them Back

As we wrap up our tour to the Minnesota Iron Range, Mining Minds had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Sterns and Virginia Bennett of US Steel Minntac for a raw and insightful conversation about life, mining, and community in Minnesota's Iron Range. From Bob's deep-rooted family history in mining to Virginia's journey from military brat to analytical technician, they share their insight into the mining cycle of the Iron Range and their passion for preserving it through responsible mining. We talk oil analysis, pellet production, the critical role of Iron Range mining in America's infrastructure, and the challenges—and opportunities—of technology like AI and autonomy in mining. With humor, honesty, and a few unexpected tangents, this episode delivers both laughter and lessons. Please help us welcome Bob & Virginia to the Face! Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) for making this episode possible. Although it didn't make it into much of the episode, much of our day was spent talking about Fishing With Vets — a nonprofit dedicated to giving veterans the chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and find peace on the water. Through guided fishing trips and community events, they honor and support both active duty and retired service members.   Episode Sponsors: JSR Fleet Performance  Motor Mission Machine & Radiator Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals    Episode Chapters: 06:20 A third-generation mining legacy 09:54 Testing samples & catching failures early 13:14 Mining for sustainability vs. production pressure 15:22 Old technology, new challenges 17:06 AI, automation & the union perspective 21:57 Community impact of mine closures 27:02 Military roots to mining career 32:08 How Iron Range connects to global steel 36:23 Passion, pride & America's steel backbone 39:36 Permitting roadblocks & mining's future 43:18 Mining as a career path for the next generation 49:25 Respect for every role—from truck drivers to lab techs