#225- Part 2: Hector Denogean
Mining Minds
Arizona Copper Country, Global Mining Projects, Leadership & Legacy Recorded at the historic in Oracle, Arizona, this episode marks Part 2 of ’s incredible mining journey. If you haven’t heard the beginning of Hector’s story, be sure to check out . In this powerful follow-up conversation, Hector shares how his career became more than just a mining story — it evolved into a legacy built underground, across borders, and through generations of miners. From helping support Resolution Copper and mentoring young miners at the San Xavier training mine, to working projects...
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#224- AngloGold Ashanti: Mary Koerner
Mining Minds
From Service to Safety, Building Trust, and Leading Forward In Episode #224 of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with , Health, Safety & Security Manager at Nevada project, to explore what it truly means to build safety and culture from the ground up—at a stage where every decision carries weight. From growing up in a small Montana town to serving 12 years in the Army Reserves, Mary shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership today. Her path through mining, manufacturing, and other industries has given her a unique perspective—one that blends...
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#223- Mike Hill
Mining Minds
Betting on Yourself, Breaking Cycles, and Building Something Bigger Recorded from the in Sonoita, Arizona, Mining Minds sits down with longtime friend and the Bald Mountain Bad Boy himself, , for a conversation filled with lasting lessons, career pivots, and the realities of rebuilding yourself both inside and outside the mining industry. Mike didn’t follow a clean path into mining—or out of it. He walked away from home in Colorado knowing he needed a reset, landed in Nevada chasing opportunity, and got thrown straight into the deep end of underground mining with zero experience...
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#222- AngloGold Ashanti: Joel Donalson
Mining Minds
In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with , Vice President of Sustainability at , from their Las Vegas office overlooking the valley. Joel shares a powerful story that spans generations in mining, from growing up in a mining family to helping lead one of Nevada’s most exciting new projects. We dive into Joel’s journey—from working in an assay lab as a teenager to navigating roles in environmental management, risk, mine engineering, and even ranch operations. His career is a testament to embracing opportunity, adapting to changes, and building a well-rounded perspective...
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#221- Gus Sullivan
Mining Minds
This one is personal. isn’t just another mining town—it’s our hometown. It’s where we grew up, where we learned what community really means, and where mining first became real to us. Coming back and sitting down with , Beatty’s Justice of the Peace, isn’t just a conversation—it’s a chance to reconnect with the people and stories that helped shape who we are. Gus has seen every version of this town. From working at his family’s gas station to serving in law enforcement and eventually stepping into the role of Justice of the Peace, his story is woven into the fabric of...
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#220- AngloGold Ashanti: Nick Fouché
Mining Minds
In this episode, Mining Minds had the opportunity to get back to our roots in a small mining town that’s seeing new life through projects like North Bullfrog and Arthur with . While on site, we sat down with , Senior Vice President of Nevada Projects for —an individual who cares just as much about production and the success of the town as he does about the people and the environmental impact. From growing up on the coast of South Africa to leading world-class mining projects across the globe, Nick shares a journey shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to step into the unknown....
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#219- BIOBY: Mike Foley, Ashley Burke & Dean DeBeltz
Mining Minds
What happens when you bring together project leaders, national advocates, and boots-on-the-ground operators—all in one room—to talk about the future of mining in America? Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Winter Dinner, this episode delivers a high-impact series of conversations with some of the most influential voices shaping today’s mining landscape. From copper development in Michigan to national policy in Washington, D.C., to the front lines of permitting battles in Minnesota—this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to move mining projects forward in the...
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#218- BIOBY: Shari McGregor-Overbye
Mining Minds
Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Winter Dinner, this episode of Mining Minds brings you a raw, unfiltered conversation with —millwright, industry advocate, and host of the . From growing up learning the trades beside her father to becoming an onsite mechanic, Shari’s story challenges outdated perceptions and highlights the real opportunity within mining and skilled trades. She breaks down the myth that blue-collar careers are a “fallback,” sharing how hands-on skills, work ethic, and determination can outperform traditional paths both financially and professionally. This...
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#217- 2026 Elko Mining Expo: Kimberlee Longley & Selina Morales
Mining Minds
In this episode of Mining Minds, we go behind the scenes of the — a 40-year legacy event that transforms a tight-knit mining community into a global hub of innovation, networking, and opportunity. Sitting down with the powerhouse team at the , this conversation uncovers the hardwork, coordination, and passion required to bring over 6,000+ attendees, hundreds of vendors, and massive equipment displays together—year after year. From humble beginnings and small-town roots to managing one of the most anticipated mining events in the industry, Selina Morales and share their personal journeys,...
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#216- BIOBY: Brian Goldner
Mining Minds
What does it feel like to hit one of the highest-grade nickel drill holes on the planet… and not even be on the drill pad when it happens? In this long overdue episode, we sit down with , Chief Exploration and Operations Officer at , for a front-row look at modern-day exploration, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of what’s hidden beneath the surface. Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Winter Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the science, the risk, and the reward of chasing critical minerals in today’s world. Brian takes us from a kid in Minneapolis obsessed with...
info_outlineIn 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
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