Libsyn Directory

#185- WIM: Margaret Hinton & Paige Courtney

Release Date: 05/22/2025

Mining Minds

Join 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...

#199- Mine Safety & Health Conference: Diane Watson

Mining Minds

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down at the with returning guest — a respected safety professional, MSHA veteran, and industry leader dedicated to improving safety culture across mining. Originally featured on , 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 and now as the founder of , Diane talks mentorship, accountability, leadership, and the challenges of evolving safety standards in a fast-changing...

#198- Michael Hartley

Mining Minds

In this cutting-edge episode of , we sit down with , Managing Director of 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....

#197- Travis Macias

Mining Minds

From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at (, embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of , 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...

#196- Bob Sterns & Virginia Bennett

Mining Minds

As we wrap up our tour to the Minnesota Iron Range, had the opportunity to sit down with and of 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...

#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,...

More Episodes

Recorded on-site at the 2025 Women in Mining National Conference in San Antonio, this episode brings authentic, unfiltered stories from two rising voices in the mining world—Margaret Hinton and Paige Courtney. 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 visibility, storytelling, and educating the next generation. Whether it’s correcting outdated perceptions about the industry or advocating for reclamation and sustainability, their mission is clear: mining has a human face, and it's changing fast.

This episode is packed with humor, heart, and hard truths—plus, a few ghost stories, underground adventures, and a growing obsession with mining history (and a certain Leadville legend, Baby Doe Tabor).

And if you’re wondering what these women are up to after-hours? Head north to Area 31, a unique UTV park in Minocqua, Wisconsin, where the off-road spirit runs just as deep as their passion for mining.

Mining Minds Conference Sponsors:

Arnold Machinery

Gold west Fire

Episode Sponsors:

GBC-NORCAT MST

Liebherr Mining

Gold West Fire

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:42 Meet Margaret Hinton

06:28 Choosing a Geotech Firm over Selling Tacos

12:00 Meet Paige Courtney