#193- Iron Range: Matt & Julie Lucas
Mining Minds
In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with and J at their home on Minnesota’s historic Iron Range. From growing up in Hibbing and Chisholm to careers in environmental consulting, mining operations, and advocacy, Matt and Julie share their personal journeys that reflect the resilience and determination of the mining industry. Matt talks about working nearly two decades alongside his father before joining the mines, where he’s now part of the steelworkers’ union, keeping critical supply chains moving. Julie opens up about her path from environmental science into mining leadership,...
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#192- Iron Range: Darleen Gargano & Talia Sandys
Mining Minds
Overlooking iconic Hibbing Taconite Mining Operation in Minnesota, Mining Minds had the opportunity to speak with two remarkable women whose stories capture the history and heart of mining in the state. First, we’re joined by , Communications and Engagement Director for , who has been our guide through the region’s rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the incredible 30+ year career of , a retired miner who began her journey in 1976 when opportunities for women in the pit were almost unheard of. From her first day pulling cable and driving haul trucks to operating graders in...
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#191- Iron Range: Dean DeBeltz
Mining Minds
Get ready for one of our most unforgettable episodes yet—recorded on a pontoon boat floating on Fall Lake, at the edge of the iconic in Minnesota! This isn’t just another podcast; it’s a full-circle conversation with , a third-generation Iron Ranger, passionate outdoorsman, and Vice President of External Relations & Project Operations at . From running towboats at 12 years old to shaping the mining culture of a next-generation copper-nickel project, Dean’s story is a tribute to the grit, heart, and pride that defines the Minnesota mining country. He dives deep into the sacrifices,...
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#190- Iron Range: Rory Oberhelman & Johnny Eloranta
Mining Minds
In this special on-location episode, travels to the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range to sit down with , Senior Project Coordinator, and , Community Relations Advisor at . Broadcasting from the iconic nickel room, the conversation dives into the history, pride, and promise of mining in northern Minnesota. Rory shares his unconventional journey from cabin building in Alaska to environmental permitting and project leadership, highlighting how personal purpose and community impact led him deeper into mining. Johnny brings a generational perspective—combining his family's blasting legacy, a...
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#189- Workforce Development Panel Discussion
Mining Minds
The mining industry stands at a crossroads. With a rapidly aging workforce, persistent misconceptions, and the growing demand for innovation, the need to reshape how we attract, develop, and retain talent has never been more urgent. In this powerful panel edition of the , we bring together six influential leaders from across the industry to engage in an honest, forward-thinking discussion on the future of workforce development in mining. Featuring: () – Metallurgical engineer student and student outreach advocate () – HR leader driving grassroots education and skilled trade pipelines...
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#188- Elko Replenish Med Spa
Mining Minds
In this episode of the podcast sits down with two remarkable women reshaping the health and wellness landscape: Melissa Montalvo and of . Together, they reveal how their professional experiences—from ER trauma to urgent care frustrations—sparked a vision: to create a space that not only heals but empowers. That vision became , a modern facility focused on hormone therapy, IV nutrition, weight management, and overall wellness. The duo discusses how their clinic is bridging the gap between conventional medicine and preventative care, especially for miners and working professionals in...
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#187- Trampus Cook
Mining Minds
In this episode of the , we sit down with , Regional Director for , whose journey through the mining world is as rich and layered as the ore bodies he’s helped uncover. A fourth-generation miner and cowboy at heart, Trampus takes us through his early days jacklegging in narrow veins of California gold mines, running heavy equipment under Lake Erie, and eventually stepping into leadership with RAM. From growing up between the ropes of cowboy life and the rails of underground shafts, to being a single father raising four young kids while chasing production, Trampus shares raw and emotional...
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#186- WIM: Jessica Scanlan
Mining Minds
In our final episode from the 2025 Conference, we’re joined by the passionate, bold, and trailblazing —geological engineer, social media influencer, and founder of . Jessica shares her unique path from a small-town girl in handmade dresses to becoming a respected voice in the mining industry. We dive into her early aspirations, challenges in mining, the power of mentorship, and how she turned burnout into a bold new business rooted in storytelling and education. From internships at to building a media company that highlights the beauty and grit of mining life, Jessica’s authenticity...
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#185- WIM: Margaret Hinton & Paige Courtney
Mining Minds
Recorded on-site at the 2025 Conference in San Antonio, this episode brings authentic, unfiltered stories from two rising voices in the mining world— and . With backgrounds as diverse as cotton farming and competitive athletics to engineering and financial investigations, Margaret and Paige dive into how they found purpose and passion in the mining industry. Together, they share how mining became more than a career—it's a community. From their first experiences in tunnels and copper pits to working on a new Women in Mining chapter in the Midwest, they highlight the importance of...
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#184- WIM: Jennie Davis
Mining Minds
is recording again from San Antionio for the Annual Conference—and in this powerful episode, we sit down with , a trailblazer whose mining journey redefines perseverance, grit, and growth. Starting as a janitor at just 18, Jennie carved her way through the industry—hauling rock in 777s, navigating early-career adversity, and ultimately rising to become a respected Business Manager and Vice President of the . Her story is proof that showing up, staying persistent, and saying “yes” to opportunity can transform not just a career, but a life. Whether you're operating equipment or running...
info_outlineIn this episode, Mining Minds sits down with Rodrigo Barbosa, the CEO of Aura Minerals, to explore his leadership philosophy and approach to building thriving organizations. Rodrigo shares insights gained from his diverse experience working across different companies and cultures, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where people can truly succeed.
He discusses the significance of understanding the human element in business, empowering those on the frontlines to make key decisions, and why it's crucial not to overcomplicate things. Rodrigo believes in the power of transparency and staying true to your plan, even in the face of challenges. He also touches on the importance of building strong company cultures that embrace learning from failure as a stepping stone to success.
As a leader in the mining industry, Rodrigo highlights how mining can have a tremendously positive impact on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts, shaping a better future for communities and the planet. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Rodrigo Barbosa to the FACE!
Sponsors:
Chapters:
00:00 Growing up in Brazil
11:47 Developing a successful journey
32:42 Learning the human being
38:15 Good projects, good pipelines, good balance sheets, and good people
45:43 Buiding cutlures and letting people fail
59:58 Culture is a flagship asset
1:09:46 Mining needs to do a better job of showcasing their image
1:14:48 Mining has the most positive impact on ESG