Mining Minds

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.

  1. 3 days ago

    #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

    1hr 6min

  2. 19 May

    #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

    1hr 32min

  3. 15 May

    #225- Part 2: Hector Denogean

    Arizona Copper Country, Global Mining Projects, Leadership & Legacy Recorded at the historic Ore House in Oracle, Arizona, this episode marks Part 2 of Hector Denogean's incredible mining journey. If you haven't heard the beginning of Hector's story, be sure to check out Episode #164 first. 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 throughout Nevada, Mexico, and South America, Hector reflects on a lifetime dedicated to hard rock mining and the people behind it. Hector opens up about the realities of the industry, including leadership, safety, sacrifice, family, and the emotional weight carried by miners who have witnessed both tragedy and triumph underground. He also shares stories from cartel-controlled mining regions in Mexico, consulting on world-class international projects, and the lessons learned from decades spent working alongside some of the best miners in the world.   Episode #164- Part 1: Hector Denogean Episode #225- Part 2: Hector Denogean   Episode Sponsors: AngloGold Ashanti North America Safety First Training & Consulting Walsh Reclamation Inc.    Episode Chapters:    02:33 Mammoth Memorial and Copper Corridor 07:07 Training the Next Generation 11:21 Community Impact and Responsible Mining 26:19 Traveling Mines Nevada to Michigan 32:39 Rock Bursts Explained 35:49 Memorials and Respect 41:14 Mexico Work Begins 50:40 Cartel Road Encounters 59:04 Visible Ore and Theft 01:08:41 Career Reflection and Expos 01:14:41 Family Roots in Sonora 01:28:50 Final Colombia Assignment 01:37:07 Advice to Young Miners

    1hr 52min

  4. 11 May

    #224- AngloGold Ashanti: Mary Koerner

    From Service to Safety, Building Trust, and Leading Forward In Episode #224 of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Mary Koerner, Health, Safety & Security Manager at AngloGold Ashanti's 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 technical expertise with a deep understanding of people. She dives into the difference between systems and culture, why health hazards often go unnoticed compared to visible safety risks, and what it takes to earn trust in environments where credibility isn't given—it's built over time. Drawing from her experience across multiple industries, Mary reflects on the challenge of adapting her leadership style and applying best practices in new environments.   To learn more about AngloGold's Nevada Projects and to sign up for their e-newsletter click the link: https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/newsletter/   A special thank you to AngloGold Ashanti for supporting Mining Minds and helping us showcase the incredible people and opportunities that make this industry.   Episode Sponsors:  JSR Fleet Performance Walsh Reclamation Inc.  Safety First Training & Consulting    Episode Chapters: 02:06 Growing Up Montana 06:51 Deployment And Coming Home 13:57 College And Newmont Start 17:58 Industrial Hygiene Explained 21:30 AI And Exposure Data 28:41 Beyond Mining New Industries 36:12 Regulators And Standards 42:39 Paper Mill Safety Transfer 47:48 Montana Reset And Youth Work 55:25 Starting A New Mine 58:32 Anglo Safety Culture 01:01:52 Community Safety Outreach

    1hr 21min

  5. 7 May

    #223- Mike Hill

    Betting on Yourself, Breaking Cycles, and Building Something Bigger Recorded from the Copper Brothel Brewery in Sonoita, Arizona, Mining Minds sits down with longtime friend and the Bald Mountain Bad Boy himself, Mike Hill, 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 and a whole lot to prove. From getting torn apart on the radio as a new nipper to figuring out how to lead teams, build culture, and navigate failure, his story is a series of pivots most people wouldn't take. And he didn't stop there. He walked away from mining. Started over. Took hits personally and professionally. Rebuilt again. Now, he's helping lead a growing business at Liberty Fence & Supply, developing people, and creating something completely new with the Copper Brothel Brewery.   Episode Sponsors:  AngloGold Ashanti Walsh Reclamation Inc.  Safety First Training & Consulting   Episode Chapters:  02:53 Colorado Roots and Family 07:17 First Mining Job as a Temp 14:29 Getting Broken In 30:39 Leveraging Experience for Next Step 32:05 Supply Chain Reality Check 40:13 Authenticity Wins Jobs 44:17 Initiative Beyond Warehouse 51:46 Bald Mountain Bad Boys 54:51 Family Money and Overtime 01:08:07 Job Hopping as Growth 01:17:38 Safety Clash and Injury Wakeup 01:24:59 Scaling Liberty Fence Nationwide

    1hr 40min

  6. 5 May

    #222- AngloGold Ashanti: Joel Donalson

    In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Joel Donalson, Vice President of Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti, 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. AngloGold Ashanti - Nevada Projects   We'd like to extend our appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti North America for welcoming us in and allowing us to highlight their team and the impactful work taking place on this project.   Episode Sponsors: Safety First Trianing & Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator  Walsh Reclamation Inc.    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

    1hr 33min
  7. #221- Gus Sullivan

    2 May

    #221- Gus Sullivan

    This one is personal. Beatty, Nevada 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 Gus Sullivan, 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 Beatty. Through decades of change, one thing has remained constant—his commitment to the people who call this place home. This episode also gives a real look at what happens when mining shows up at your doorstep—the growth, the pressure, the uncertainty, and the opportunity. But this time feels different. With AngloGold Ashanti stepping in, there's a clear effort to do it the right way—working alongside the community, supporting local infrastructure, and building with a long-term mindset instead of a short-term boom. It's not just about what mining brings out of the ground—it's about the legacy it builds above it.   We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the doors and giving us the opportunity to showcase the people in our home town of Beatty Nevada.    Episode Sponsors:  Walsh Reclamation Inc. Safety First Training & Consulting Motor Mission Machine and Radiator    Episode Chapters:  02:05 Marine One Discovery 08:50 Deputy Ride Along Hook 12:25 High Speed Lesson 17:48 Mine Boom Shockwave 25:08 Community Policing Trust 28:26 Honoring Dad Legacy 29:41 Clinic Grants and Care 33:13 Town and Mine Partnership 38:25 Beatty Life and Family 40:02 Halloween and Cruising Days 43:25 Coaching and Community 45:25 Grandkids and Big Dreams

    1hr 1min
  8. #220- AngloGold Ashanti: Nick Fouché

    30 Apr

    #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 AngloGold Ashanti. While on site, we sat down with Nick Fouché, Senior Vice President of Nevada Projects for AngloGold Ashanti—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 AngloGold Ashanti 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 here.   Episode Sponsors: Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Safety First Training & Consulting Walsh Reclamation Inc.    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

    1hr 11min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mining Minds
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MiningMindsllc 2019
  • Show Website
    Mining Minds

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