Mining Minds

Hosted by Mining Minds

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234

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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August 21, 2026Episode 23539 min

#235- Intercollegiate Mining Games: Robbie Yordt

Recorded underground at the University of Arizona's San Javier Underground Mining Laboratory during the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games, this episode of Mining Minds features Robbie Yordt, a systems engineering student building a path into mining engineering. Robbie grew up in San Diego with a love for the outdoors, Scouts and hands-on learning. He entered college interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering, but an invitation to an SME student meeting - and the welcoming mining community he found there - changed the direction of his education and career. He shares what attracted him to mining, including the people, the scale of the work and the industry's commitment to safety. Robbie also explains his student-operations role at San Javier, his crushed-stone internship experience in Southern California and his upcoming underground engineering internship with Redpath at South32's Hermosa project. IN THIS EPISODE · How SME and MineXchange introduced Robbie to the mining industry · Why exposure can matter more than experience for the next generation · The importance of authentic mining outreach and storytelling · Hands-on student learning inside the San Javier underground laboratory · What systems engineering can contribute to mining operations and equipment · Robbie's goals for a career built around good people, meaningful work and time outdoors YouTube- https://youtu.be/qza7xFpIKNU EPISODE SPONSORS Safety First Training & Consulting - https://safetyfirstelko.com Walsh Reclamation, Inc. - https://walshreclamationinc.com Motor Mission Machine & Radiator - https://www.motormission.com Learn more about Mining Minds and explore additional episodes at https://miningmindsllc.com. Content advisory: This episode contains explicit language. Listener discretion is advised. Chapter titles and short notes 00:00 Cold Open: Learning Through Failure Robbie discusses making mistakes safely while gaining hands-on experience. 01:45 Meet Robbie Yordt Meet the systems engineering student building his future in mining engineering. 03:09 San Diego Roots and the Outdoors Robbie shares how Scouts, camping and outdoor leadership shaped his interests. 06:02 From Aerospace to Mining An SME student meeting and MineXchange changed Robbie's career direction. 08:21 Mining's People, Scale and Safety The camaraderie, equipment and safety culture that attracted Robbie to mining. 15:36 Reaching the Next Generation Why students need accessible opportunities to explore mining at their own pace. 17:04 Marketing Mining Authentically Using real people, images and stories to introduce mining without forcing the message. 23:25 Internships and the Hermosa Project Robbie discusses crushed-stone operations and his upcoming Redpath internship. 25:54 Student Operations at San Javier Hands-on learning, student access and underground projects at the laboratory. 31:26 Systems Engineering and Robbie's Future Robbie explains systems engineering and shares his equipment interests and career goals.

August 19, 2026Episode 2341 hr 8 min

#234- SOUTH32 Hermosa: Skylie Estep

In Episode #234 Mining Minds , sit down on location at South32 Hermosa with Skylie Estep , Human Resources Director, for a conversation about opportunity, family, workforce development, and building the next generation of mining professionals. Skylie shares her journey from moving to Nevada as a young mother and starting as a temp at Goldstrike Underground to building a career in recruiting, human resources, and workforce development. She reflects on the influence of her father, the people who gave her an opportunity early in her career, and the risks and sacrifices that ultimately led her to South32 Hermosa. The conversation dives into what it takes to build the workforce and culture of a greenfield mining project from the ground up. Skylie discusses Hermosa's commitment to developing a local workforce, partnerships with education and training programs, entry-level pathways into mining, and Centro , South32's remote operating center in Nogales designed to make mining careers accessible to a broader range of people. From recruiting experienced miners to developing tomorrow's workforce, this episode offers an inside look at the people, planning, and community investment behind one of Arizona's most exciting mining projects. A huge thank you to the South32 Hermosa Team for welcoming Mining Minds on site and giving us the opportunity to experience the project firsthand. Sponsors: · Walsh Reclamation · Safety First Training and Consulting · Motor Mission Machine and Radiator YouTube- https://youtu.be/79Ljd45bnM0 Mining Minds — digging deeper into the people, culture, and stories that move the mining industry forward. Chapter Notes: 00:00 — Creating New Pathways Into Mining Skylie introduces Hermosa's vision for making mining careers more accessible. 02:30 — Growing Up in a Mining Family Skylie shares her mining-family roots and why she never expected to join the industry. 05:00 — Starting at Goldstrike A move to Nevada leads to her first mining job and the beginning of her career. 13:30 — Building a Career in Mining Skylie moves from operational support into recruiting, HR, and workforce development. 22:00 — Developing Future Miners She reflects on recruiting, internships, training programs, and watching people grow in the industry. 26:00 — Career, Family, and Sacrifice Skylie discusses balancing motherhood, career growth, and her move to Arizona. 34:30 — Building South32 Hermosa Skylie explains joining a greenfield project and helping build Hermosa's team and culture. 43:30 — The Future of Hermosa's Workforce The discussion covers local hiring, Centro, education partnerships, and creating long-term community opportunity.

August 12, 2026Episode 23354 min

#233- SOUTH32 Hermosa: Project Management Team

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 to keep construction moving safely and efficiently. The conversation goes beyond construction to explore the culture and long-term vision behind Hermosa: developing a local Santa Cruz County workforce, building a regional mining supply chain, supporting critical mineral production, and integrating autonomous equipment, remote operations, real-time data and AI into the mine of the future. At the center of it all is a clear leadership commitment: build the project without fatalities or life-changing injuries, create lasting opportunities for the community, and prove that advanced technology works best when it empowers the people doing the work. The best mining stories are never just about the project. They're about the people building it. Chapters: 00:00 South32 Hermosa: Building a Major Mine on a "Postage Stamp" 06:30 Inside the Hermosa Project: Shafts, Concentrator & Construction Progress 08:30 "Bluetooth Laydowns" — Solving Hermosa's Massive Logistics Challenge 10:30 Building the Right Team, Culture & Trust from Day One 15:00 The 11-Day Continuous Headframe Pour vs. Arizona Monsoon Season 17:00 50% Complete: Leadership, Humility & Executing a World-Class Project 21:00 Water Treatment, Dewatering & Investing in the Local Community 25:00 Critical Minerals: Zinc, Silver, Lead, Manganese, Copper & U.S. Security 39:30 The Future of Mining: Autonomous Equipment, Remote Operations & AI 49:00 No Fatalities, No Life-Changing Injuries — The Legacy Hermosa Wants to Build

August 9, 2026Episode 2321 hr 8 min

#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- https://youtu.be/sMa2QfYhL9I 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

August 4, 2026Episode 23159 min

#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

July 30, 2026Episode 23056 min

#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

July 24, 20261 hr 27 min

#229- Scott Shields

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 for developing the next generation of miners. From growing up in a family with deep mining roots to helping shape university programs, leading global mining initiatives, transforming supply chain operations, and returning to Komatsu, Scott offers valuable leadership lessons that apply far beyond mining. Whether you're a student entering the industry, a seasoned miner, or someone passionate about leadership, this conversation is packed with stories, wisdom, and reminders that mining has always been—and always will be—about people. Chapters: 02:00 – Recording Underground at the San Xavier Laboratory 06:00 – The Collegiate Mining Games & Future Mining Leaders 12:00 – Five Generations of Mining Heritage 19:00 – From Accounting to Mining Engineering 27:00 – Returning to University & Building a Legacy 38:00 – Leadership, Culture & Mentorship 42:00 – Global Mining, Komatsu & Lessons from Around the World 56:00 – Transforming Supply Chain at Nevada Gold Mines 01:05:00 – Preserving Mining Traditions Through the Collegiate Mining Games 01:14:00 – Returning Home, Family & Komatsu 01:19:00 – Building Memories, Family First & Final Reflections

July 15, 20261 hr 5 min

#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 AngloGold Ashanti 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. https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/newsletter/ Episode Sponsors : Walsh Reclamation Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Safety First Training and Consulting 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

June 24, 20261 hr 5 min

#227- Dave Spicer

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 makes this conversation unique is Dave's perspective on the relationship between mining, conservation, and community development. Through habitat restoration, trail development, species conservation, and local partnerships, he has spent years bringing people together around solutions that benefit the land, the community, and the mining industry. Learn more about Dave's efforts and how you can get involved below. Storm-ov.org Trails-ov.org We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for making this episode possible and for supporting conversations that highlight the people, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the future of our industry. Episode Sponsors: Motor Mission Machine and Radiator Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Safety First Training and Consulting Episode Chapters 00:00 Building a Future Beyond Mining 01:05 Growing Up in Beatty and Ranch Life 05:08 Living Off the Land 08:02 Discovering Mining Opportunities 11:00 The First Major Mining Boom 13:45 Creating Opportunity After the Bust 16:20 From Dimensional Stone to Entrepreneurship 21:10 The Amargosa Toad Conservation Fight 26:05 Turning Conflict into Collaboration 29:15 Partnering with AngloGold Ashanti 35:05 Trails, Recreation, and Community Legacy 50:45 Inspiring Future Generations

May 19, 20261 hr 32 min

#226- AngloGold Ashanti: The Next Shift

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 AngloGold Ashanti 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 developing rural communities, and the innovation driving the next generation of the industry. You'll hear honest conversations about mentorship, sustainability, technology, workforce culture, and the misconceptions that still surround mining. More importantly, you'll hear from the people stepping forward to carry the industry into its next era . We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the door and providing us an opportunity to showcase their people and the work they are doing to support the entire mining industry. 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. https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/ Episode Sponsors: Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Safety First Training and Consulting Motor Mission Machine and Radiator Chapters: 01:37 Meet the Panel 12:47 Perception Versus Reality 21:55 Telling Mining's Story 31:00 Blind Gold Discovery 32:08 Community and Generations 36:49 Hiring Traits and Resumes 43:37 Environmental Planning Basics 48:07 Office Admin Behind Scenes 57:23 Cross Functional Collaboration 01:00:48 Hollywood vs Real Mining 01:08:37 Changing Public Perception 01:11:27 Career Superpowers 01:13:51 Project Headline Dreams