Libsyn Directory

#181- JD Sundseth

Release Date: 05/05/2025

#195- IRRR & IMA: Ida Rukavina & Kristen Vake

Mining Minds

What does pride, legacy, and the future of mining look like on Minnesota’s Iron Range? In this episode, we sit down with , Commissioner of the , and , Executive Director of the , to dig deep into the history, culture, and future of mining in northern Minnesota. From immigrant roots and unions that shaped entire communities, to today’s challenges of permitting, workforce development, and the global demand for critical minerals—Ida and Kristen share candid insights about what it means to grow up in a mining family, how mining tax dollars are reinvested back into schools and communities,...

#194- US Steel: Michael Bakk & Chrissy Bartovich

Mining Minds

In this special episode of the , we sit down at with , Director of Facilities Excellence, and , Senior Director of Environmental. From humble beginnings to leading major projects that shape the future of steelmaking, Mike and Crissy share their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and the innovations driving today’s mining industry. We dive into the transformation of mining from “pick and shovel” to high-tech operations featuring AI, robotic dogs, and advanced reliability systems. Mike and Crissy sheds light on the critical role of environmental stewardship,...

#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,...

#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...

#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,...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

More Episodes

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with JD Sundseth—owner of Mountain States Mine Development and Reclamation LLC. JD takes us on a candid journey through his life: from a small-town kid in Spring Creek, Nevada, to a tire-slinging high schooler at Les Schwab, to operating heavy equipment in remote mountain terrain.

He opens up about starting a family young, learning the ropes the hard way, and navigating the mining industry—from exploration and greenfield development to full-scale operations. JD shares stories from his wild first day at the mine site, why he never had to run a scraper, and what it really means to be a hands-on leader. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome JD Sundseth to the Face!

Sponsors:

Liebherr Mining

GBC-NORCAT MST

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Chapters:

9:08 Sweeping Floors to Service Trucks

19:19 Finding a path in mining

31:53 New Hire Week

42:11 Skipping Pay Grades

52:56 Advancing too fast

01:05:20 Gering up to run his own business

01:14:39 Skills learned in trades