Mining Minds

Welcome to the face. In mining that is where the action is, where the individuals doing the work are, and where the business begins. Mining Minds is a podcast based out of one of the world’s largest gold producing districts. From our experiences and experiences of those at the face (the dig face) we will walk through the life of miners, the communities that support them, and the life styles they choose to live. We will discuss the importance of mining to the world and the importance of responsible mining to the environment and our future.

#232- Intercollegiate Mining Games: Mia Crawford 08/09/2026

#232- Intercollegiate Mining Games: Mia Crawford 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. Through honest conversations about leadership, mentorship, imposter syndrome, public misconceptions about mining, and her ambitious career goals, Mia represents a driven new generation ready to learn, lead, and carry the mining industry forward. A BIG thank you to the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, Scott Shields and the entire University of Arizona mining school for the incredibly warm welcome and for making this episode possible. We look forward to future opportunities to highlight our mining schools, celebrate emerging talent and help build the future of mining—one story at a time. Watch on YouTube- Episode Sponsors: Motor Mission Machine and Radiator Safety First Training and Consulting Walsh Exploration- Troy Hawkins #MiningMinds #ThisIsMining #IntercollegiateMiningGames #WomenInMining #MiningEngineering #FutureOfMining #NextGenerationOfMining #MiningLeadership #MiningCareers #UniversityOfArizona Podcast Chapters: Opening- Mining, Responsibility and Everyday Minerals 01:00- Meet Mia Crawford 05:00- Mandarin, Hockey and an Unconventional Childhood 12:00- Turning Loss into Purpose 17:00- Three Jobs, College and High Expectations 23:00- The Intercollegiate Mining Games 25:00- Breaking into Mining at Capstone Copper 32:00- Hands-On Operations, Leadership and Mentorship 41:00- Big Goals, Imposter Syndrome and Personal Grit 59:00- Safety, Risk and the Next Generation /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/42344780

#231 — 40th Annual Elko Mine Expo Keynote Podcast 08/04/2026

#231 — 40th Annual Elko Mine Expo Keynote Podcast 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 people mining has changed — we have to demonstrate it. The industry continues to evolve because of the people willing to learn, lead, listen, and challenge the way things have always been done. Whether you work at the face, support operations, develop projects, educate the next generation, or serve our mining communities, we all have a role in shaping what comes next. The past shaped us. The present is challenging us. The future is ours to build. A special thank you to Motor Mission Machine & Radiator for sponsoring this keynote podcast and for continually supporting Mining Minds and the people who make this industry what it is. #MiningMinds #ThisIsMining #ElkoMineExpo #NevadaMining #MiningIndustry #HumanElement #MiningLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfMining YouTube Link- https://youtu.be/aD82l_5ODBU Chapters: 04:25- From Disposable Labor to the Human Element 10:25- Leadership Is No Longer Just Technical Skill 19:15- Nevada Is #1—but the Future Depends on Workforce 25:10- What Changed for the Miner Starting Today? 31:25- Public Trust Starts Before the Mine Does 35:45- Mining Doesn't End at the Pit 40:00- Contractor + Owner: One Team, One Culture 43:35- Stop Letting Yesterday Define Modern Mining 52:15- Building Communities—and Advice That Lasts a Career /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/42308890

#230- South32 Hermosa: Pat Risner 07/30/2026

#230- South32 Hermosa: Pat Risner 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 footprint, less water, and deep tribal partnership are redefining what a modern mine looks like. 🎧 New episode of Mining Minds — out now. #MiningMinds #Hermosa #South32 #CriticalMinerals #Zinc #Manganese #MiningIndustry #Leadership #SafetyFirst #Sustainability #SupplyChain #Podcast 🎧 Full episode of Mining Minds is out now. Episode Sponsors: · Safety First Training and Consultin · Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals · Motor Mission Machine and Radiator #MiningMinds #Hermosa #South32 #CriticalMinerals #Zinc #Manganese #MiningIndustry #Leadership #SafetyFirst #Sustainability #SupplyChain #ArizonaMining Chapters: 1. The "getting culture right" moment (cold open hook) — "The minute I went underground, I was kinda captivated, and the one thing I didn't wanna screw up here was to try to get the culture right... that's an opportunity we should not squander here." 0:00 – 0:12 2. First-generation miner origin story — "There's no mining in my family... I really didn't get exposed to it until college, and knew nothing. I went into it completely blind." Great "underdog to president" narrative hook. 6:06 – 6:17 3. On tribal engagement / social license (strong ESG angle) — "We started really early... engaging with up to 12 different tribes, build relationships, build trust... understand how we can modify and change the project." 15:20 – 16:08 4. Leadership without subject-matter expertise — "Leadership is not the same as being the one doing the work, and leadership is a different skill than the subject matter expertise that the people have doing the work." Excellent standalone leadership quote. 25:28 – 25:47 5. On approachability and trust — "You just learn as much as you can about every individual personally, help them learn more about you and who you are, and then you can start building some trust." 29:35 – 30:00 6. The safety "guarantee" philosophy (very quotable) — "We guarantee everyone goes home safe and well... 'guarantee' is a bit provocative in the mining industry." 40:57 – 41:17 7. Small footprint stat (great infographic/quote card) — "70 years of mining, we'll only disturb 750 acres... the big open pit mines are 10, 20, even as big as 40,000 acres." 46:55 – 47:30 8. 90% less water stat — "We'll use 90% less water... your typical base metal mines will use between 60 to 20 gallons of water for every pound of metal — we'll use 0.5." 47:25 – 47:50 9. National security / critical minerals angle (strong for policy-minded LinkedIn audience) — "97 plus percent of the battery grade manganese in the world comes from China... this is an opportunity to really reduce national security risk." 49:35 – 49:55 10. Zinc supply gap stat — "We see a four-million-ton gap between zinc supply and demand by the early 2030s. To put that into context, you'd have to develop three Hermosa’s every year." 49:55 – 50:20 /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/42258640

#229- Scott Shields 07/24/2026

#228- Allison Anderson 07/15/2026

#228- Allison Anderson 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, education, local partnerships, and long-term community investment, Allison provides an inside look at the work happening long before mining begins. She explains how meaningful communication, transparency, and genuine collaboration create lasting relationships—not only for a successful project, but for the future of communities like Beatty, Nevada. This conversation is a reminder that while mining may produce the resources the world depends on, it's the people, partnerships, and trust built along the way that ultimately determine its success. Special thanks to for opening its doors and giving Mining Minds the opportunity to highlight the people, partnerships, and purpose behind responsible mining. To learn more about AngloGold Ashanti and stay up to date on their Nevada Projects, sign up for their e-newsletter by clicking the link. Episode Sponsors: Episode Chapters: 01:05 Growing Up, Competition & Finding Her Path 05:02 From Journalism to Public Relations 09:14 Military Life, Family & Returning to Nevada 12:10 Discovering Mining Through the Nevada Mining Association 16:05 Building Communities with i-80 Gold 22:10 Authentic Communication Creates Trust 26:08 AngloGold Ashanti's Vision for Beatty's Future 30:03 Community Partnerships That Last Beyond Mining 35:00 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation 39:08 North Bullfrog, Beatty & A Sustainable Future 48:15 Endless Opportunities and Lessons from Mining /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/42095000

#227- Dave Spicer 06/24/2026

#226- AngloGold Ashanti: The Next Shift 05/19/2026

#225- Part 2: Hector Denogean 05/15/2026

#224- AngloGold Ashanti: Mary Koerner 05/11/2026

#223- Mike Hill 05/07/2026

#222- AngloGold Ashanti: Joel Donalson 05/05/2026

#222- AngloGold Ashanti: Joel Donalson 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 across the mining industry. One of the most impactful moments in this conversation is Joel’s global perspective on mining: “There was nothing here… people living subsistence lifestyles… and then a mine comes in — now there are roads, schools, infrastructure, opportunity.” The North Bullfrog and Arthur projects near Beatty, Nevada, represent more than just potential mining operations—they offer an opportunity to shape an entire region and meaningfully connect one of the state’s largest populations to the mining industry in a new and impactful way. To follow this transformation as it unfolds and stay connected to the latest updates from AngloGold Ashanti’s Nevada projects, join their e-newsletter using the link below. We’d like to extend our appreciation to for welcoming us in and allowing us to highlight their team and the impactful work taking place on this project. Episode Sponsors: Episode Chapters: 02:43 Joel Mining Roots 10:56 First Assay Lab Job 12:10 Assay Lab Grind 15:39 Back To Mining Boom 23:53 Environmental Closure Work 30:26 Risk Management Mindset 38:36 Short Range Planning Chaos 46:54 Why Environmental Fits 54:37 Mining Changes Communities 01:00:49 Winning Trust on the Ranch 01:05:04 Work Life Balance in Mining 01:10:15 Small Town Mining Stories 01:15:06 Building a New Nevada District /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/41151985

#221- Gus Sullivan 05/02/2026

#220- AngloGold Ashanti: Nick Fouché 04/30/2026

#220- AngloGold Ashanti: Nick Fouché 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. This episode goes far beyond a traditional career story. It dives into the evolution of mining through the lens of environmental responsibility, community engagement, and leadership. Nick walks us through his unconventional path—from environmental science and military service to building world class operations—and how those experiences shaped his approach to modern mining. We explore the importance of onboarding, culture, and collaboration, why understanding people is just as critical as understanding geology, and how global experience creates better leaders. Nick also gives us insight into AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, a true tier-one opportunity, and how balancing production, environmental stewardship, and community trust is at the core of their vision. We’d like to thank for opening the door and giving us the opportunity to showcase their people and the work happening on this project. To learn more and stay up to date on AngloGold Ashanti’s Nevada projects, sign up for their e-newsletter by clicking . Episode Sponsors: Episode Chapters: 02:10 Growing Up South African 05:27 Choosing Environmental Science 10:06 Why Travel Builds Leaders 15:00 Environmental Values and Mining 20:27 Military Service 31:45 Trust With Communities 40:48 Learning Uranium Mining 47:17 Onboarding Done Right 51:05 Mine Improvement Program 53:27 Global Career Snapshot 57:29 Nevada Project Today /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/41071850

#219- BIOBY: Mike Foley, Ashley Burke & Dean DeBeltz 04/28/2026

#219- BIOBY: Mike Foley, Ashley Burke & Dean DeBeltz 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 United States. We sit down with Mike Foley of to break down what it takes to bring a fully permitted underground copper project to life—and why infrastructure like smelting and refining remains one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks. Then, of the joins us to unpack the policy shifts happening at the federal level, the global competition for critical minerals, and why storytelling and public understanding are more important now than ever. Finally, we reconnect with of , diving into the realities of permitting challenges, shifting goalposts, and the long fight to responsibly develop domestic resources—all while preserving the communities and environments that make these regions special. This episode is about momentum, advocacy, and the people pushing mining forward—from the local level to the national stage. If you want to understand where the industry is headed and what’s at stake, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Episode Sponsors: Chapters: 01:39 Meet Mike Foley 06:58 Smelting Bottleneck Talk 13:08 Community Mining Heritage 19:37 Meet Ashley Burke NMA 21:20 Policy Shift and Strategy 25:24 Permitting Reform Messaging 31:12 Advocacy and Storytelling 39:45 Workforce Development Ideas 42:38 NMA Resources and Mine Expo 44:48 Dean Debeltz & Twin Metals Update in Duluth 50:46 Fair Permitting and Public Trust 55:39 Community Impact and Jobs Multiplier /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/41043755

#218- BIOBY: Shari McGregor-Overbye 04/24/2026

#217- 2026 Elko Mining Expo: Kimberlee Longley & Selina Morales 04/22/2026

#217- 2026 Elko Mining Expo: Kimberlee Longley & Selina Morales 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, the evolution of the expo, and what it truly takes to execute an event of this magnitude with a team of just ten people. But this episode goes deeper than logistics. It explores the heart of mining communities — the families, the kids, the traditions, and the future workforce. With new ideas like live podcasting, technical sessions, and even a first-ever Miner’s Poetry Contest, this year’s expo is pushing boundaries and redefining what connection and storytelling in mining looks like. Join us at the on June 4th at 10:00 AM for a compelling look at the past, present, and future of our industry. We’ll be kicking off the event with a live opening session panel podcast featuring some of the most influential voices in mining. And for the first time, Mining Minds will be hosting the on June 5th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. From elementary-aged kids to teenagers, to miners and their spouses, we want to hear the voices that truly tell the story of who we are, the experiences we’ve lived, and what makes this industry so special. Submit your entry by “” at . Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training & Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Chapters: 02:50 Selena Background 05:28 Planning the Expo 07:13 Kimberly Background 09:18 Convention Center Events 14:54 Expo Growth Upgrades 20:57 Layout and Expansion 26:52 Expo Week Breakdown 31:57 Networking and Engagement 33:15 Booths Networking Value 37:42 Miners Poetry Contest 52:59 40th Anniversary Plans 56:07 Live Podcast Announcement /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/40952200

#216- BIOBY: Brian Goldner 04/17/2026

#216- BIOBY: Brian Goldner 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 rocks to leading one of the most exciting nickel discoveries in North America. We unpack the realities of exploration — a career built on being wrong, challenging assumptions daily, and pushing forward until something clicks. From helicopter-supported fieldwork in remote areas to building an in-house drilling operation during COVID, Brian shares how innovation, teamwork, and timing all play a role in success. At the center of it all is Talon’s recent discovery — a drill hole so significant it ranks among the best globally across multiple metals. But this episode isn’t just about the win. It’s about the process, the failures that lead to breakthroughs, and the responsibility of developing resources the right way — for communities, for the environment, and for the future of domestic mining. Episode Sponsors: Chapters: 01:00 Welcome to Better In Our Back Yards & Talon Metals 04:12 From Physics to Geology 08:45 Discovering Economic Geology 12:00 How Nickel Deposits Actually Form 18:05 Helicopters, Remote Exploration & Field Life 24:00 Mentorship & Learning Under a Legend 28:00 Prospecting, Core & First Discoveries 35:10 Building an In-House Drilling Operation During COVID 44:10 Critical Minerals, Nickel & Global Demand 52:30 The Vault Discovery: A Career-Defining Moment 01:07:30 The Future of Mining, Technology & Exploration /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/40907505

#215- Matt Coffin 03/18/2026

#214- David Watson 02/28/2026

#213- AEMA: LeRoy Shingoitewa 02/24/2026

#213- AEMA: LeRoy Shingoitewa What happens when a Hopi tribal member steps into one of mining’s most complex spaces — not to fight it blindly, not to defend it blindly — but to bridge it? We sit down with of at the for one of the most powerful and perspective-shifting conversations we’ve had to date. Raised in Moenkopi, Arizona — where some villages still live without running water or electricity by choice — LeRoy shares what it means to carry ancestral responsibility into modern industry. From hauling water at his grandmother’s home to biology, to cultural resource consultant, LeRoy explains how traditional ecological knowledge and Western science can coexist — and why both are critical in today’s mining landscape. We dive into tribal sovereignty, legacy uranium impacts, water rights, permitting reform, trust-building, consultation breakdowns, NGO pressure, and what real partnership between tribes and mining companies actually looks like. This isn’t a surface-level conversation. It’s about preservation, accountability, education, and long-term relationship building. It’s about starting with respect instead of checking a box. And it’s about one man choosing to stand in the middle — not for money, not for politics — but to make sure his people have a voice at the table. Please help us welcome LeRoy Shingoitewa to the Face. Big thanks to the for having Mining Minds out at the event. We truly appreciate the opportunity and the work you continue to do to support and elevate the voices across our mining industry. Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator JSR Fleet Performance PC-Reps Chapters: 04:12 Growing Up Hopi: Tradition by Choice 14:48 Tribal Monitors & Entering Mining 20:03 Building Trust After Broken Promises 26:40 Why Early Consultation Matters 32:18 Economic Benefits vs. Cultural Preservation 38:12 Bloodlines, Identity & Sovereignty 45:03 Water, Coal & Hard Lessons 51:00 Western Degrees & Tribal Responsibility 57:42 NGOs, Money & Accountability 01:04:50 Mining 101 & Changing the Narrative 01:10:05 Preserving Culture While Engaging Industry /episode/index/show/mingmindsllc/id/40211650