Libsyn Directory

#214- David Watson

Release Date: 02/28/2026

#233- SOUTH32 Hermosa: Project Management Team

Mining Minds

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with the leadership team behind South32 Hermosa in Southern Arizona: Andy Thompson, Vice President of Project Delivery; Aaron Lamb, Project Director; Miguel Lamadrid, General Manager of Operations; and Joe Dase, Construction & Execution. The team takes us inside the realities of building a major underground mining project on an exceptionally tight footprint—from shaft sinking, concentrator construction, dewatering and water treatment to the project’s “Bluetooth laydowns,” an 11-day continuous headframe pour, and the logistics required...

#232- Intercollegiate Mining Games: Mia Crawford

Mining Minds

In Episode #232, Mining Minds sits down with Mia Crawford at the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory to explore the experiences shaping her future in mining. Mia shares how her father’s legacy inspired her to pursue mining engineering, the determination required to balance college with three jobs, and how hockey helped her develop the confidence and grit to succeed in a demanding industry. Mia also takes listeners inside the Intercollegiate Mining Games, her internship experience with Capstone Copper, and her responsibilities as a student safety manager....

#231 — 40th Annual Elko Mine Expo Keynote Podcast

Mining Minds

Episode #231 is LIVE — 40th Annual Elko Mine Expo Keynote Podcast Mining Minds sat down with Amanda Hilton, President of the Nevada Mining Association; Don Dwyer, General Manager of Orla Mining’s South Railroad Project; and Vern Goglio, Senior Manager at Cementation USA, for a conversation on the past, present, and future of Nevada Mining. From the evolution of safety and leadership to workforce development, women in mining, contractor partnerships, community trust, and what it will take for Nevada to remain a global mining leader, one message stood out: we can’t just tell...

#230- South32 Hermosa: Pat Risner

Mining Minds

From a Coal Mine Summer Job to Leading America's Next Critical Minerals Project Pat Risner had no mining background, no family in the industry, and no plan to end up here. One summer underground changed everything. Now, as President of South32 Hermosa, he's building one of the most important zinc and manganese projects in the country — from the ground up. In this episode, Pat joins Mining Minds to share his journey from Oklahoma to BHP's global operations, the leadership lessons he learned the hard way, why culture came before anything else at Hermosa, and how a smaller...

#229- Scott Shields

Mining Minds

What does it mean to truly think like a miner? In this episode of Mining Minds, we head underground to the University of Arizona's renowned San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory for our first-ever underground podcast recording. Joining us is Scott Shields, General Manager of Sales for Komatsu Southwest, Strategic Advisor to the San Xavier Laboratory, and a fifth-generation Arizona miner whose career has taken him from the copper mines of Morenci to more than 150 mining operations across 24 countries. Scott shares an incredible journey built on hard work, mentorship, humility, and a passion...

#228- Allison Anderson

Mining Minds

Great mining projects don't begin with equipment—they begin with trust. In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Allison Anderson, a highly respected external affairs and communications professional, to explore one of the most important—and often least understood—roles in modern mining. Allison shares her unconventional journey from journalism and public relations to becoming a trusted bridge between mining companies, government, and the communities they serve. From advancing AngloGold Ashanti's North Bullfrog and Arthur projects to supporting workforce development,...

#227- Dave Spicer

Mining Minds

What if the future of mining isn’t just measured in ounces produced—but in the communities, habitats, and generations it leaves behind? In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Dave Spicer—miner, rancher, entrepreneur, conservation advocate, and lifelong Beatty resident—for a thought-provoking conversations about the future. Dave’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of Beatty, Nevada, from growing up on a ranch and living off the land to building businesses, supporting mining projects, and dedicating decades of his life to ensuring his hometown has a future. What...

#226- AngloGold Ashanti: The Next Shift

Mining Minds

The future of mining isn’t coming — it’s already clocked in. In this episode of Mining Minds, The Next Shift, Mining Minds sits down in Beatty, Nevada with a panel of young professionals from who are helping redefine the future of modern mining from the ground up. From geology and environmental planning to HR, communications, and project development, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what mining really looks like today — and what it will become tomorrow. The panel dives into the realities of building a world-class mining project, the responsibility that comes with...

#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...

#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...

More Episodes

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