Mining Minds

Mining Minds
  • 4.9 (95)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. #210- AEMA: Milan Calendine

    9H AGO

    #210- AEMA: Milan Calendine

    Join Mining Minds at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, as we sit down with Milan Calendine, geoscientist and marketing manager. In this episode, we reflect on the success of the newly introduced Mining Marketing Summit, led by Milan and her outstanding team of marketing and industry experts.  Milan also shares her journey from environmental science to marketing, highlighting the critical role marketing plays in today's mining industry. The conversation expands to the importance of effective communication, personal branding, and community engagement, underscoring the need for mining companies to embrace innovative marketing strategies and leadership development. Please help us welcome Milan Calendine to the Face!  Thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for continuing to support and elevate voices across the mining industry. Sponsors: American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Safety First Training and Consulting Motor Mission Machine & Radiator  JSR Fleet Performance    Chapters:   03:21 Milan's Background and Upbringing 06:38 Growing Up in Tucson 13:25 College Journey and Challenges 19:32 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles 27:11 Ego and Confidence in Leadership 32:23 Starting a Career in Environmental Science 35:52 First Impressions of the Mining Industry 39:32 Marketing and Geophysics 46:35 The PR Problem in Mining 58:26 The Importance of Marketing in Mining 01:00:39 Developing a Unified Marketing Message 01:05:32 The Mining Marketing Summit Vision

    1h 42m
  2. #209- Utah Mining Association: Trevor Hall

    3D AGO

    #209- Utah Mining Association: Trevor Hall

    Sitting down with Mining Minds at the Utah Mining Association's 110th Annual Convention is Trevor Hall, co-founder and host of the Mining Stock Daily podcast. Trevor shares his journey of creating and growing his widely respected podcast—from early mornings dedicated to mining news to building a robust content network. He discusses the origins, challenges, and evolution of the venture, noting that recording and publishing mining news before the market opens became the core ethos of the podcast—one he has meticulously maintained for over eight years. We also explore Trevor's background, the inspiration behind his work, and his insights into the commodities market. Listeners can expect a compelling look into the media business within the mining industry, the importance of consistency, and Trevor's vision for the future of the Clear Commodity Network—an umbrella platform for commodities-focused content. This episode highlights the dedication, passion, and strategic thinking required to produce meaningful content in a specialized market. Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.  Episode Sponsors: Utah Mining Association Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Chapters: 02:41 Trevor's Background and Education 04:48 Discovering Mining 08:06 Starting the Mining Stock Daily Podcast 11:26 Building a Media Business 14:57 Collaborating and Expanding 22:21 Understanding Commodity Prices 22:27 Dynamic Content and Value Addition 22:49 Vision and Partnerships 25:11 Building Clear Commodity Network 28:08 Challenges and Future Plans

    43 min
  3. #208- Utah Mining Association: Kevin Neville

    5D AGO

    #208- Utah Mining Association: Kevin Neville

    In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Kevin Neville at the Utah Mining Association Convention to unpack a raw, honest journey through underground hard rock mining, international contract work, and the realities of chasing success without losing yourself along the way. From his first awe-filled moments descending a shaft at Resolution Copper to managing the mental, physical, and emotional toll of long rotations in Mexico, Kevin shares what it truly means to grow up in the mining industry. Kevin talks about the value of hard work learned early in life, the power of mentors who shape careers underground, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it costs you more than a paycheck. We dive into mining culture, leadership lessons, work-life balance, and why underground mining still holds a special place in his heart—even after stepping into a new chapter outside the mine. Please help us welcome Kevin Neville to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.   Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine & Radiator    Episode Chapters:  02:56 High School and Early Adulthood 07:00 Mission Experience in Argentina 29:13 Learning from History and Leadership 29:43 Gratitude and Mentorship in Mining 31:16 Challenges and Misconceptions in Mining 49:56 Venturing into International Mining 01:00:57 Balancing Family and Work Life 01:01:09 Reconnecting with Old Friends 01:02:40 Career Transitions and Challenges 01:05:55 Finding Fulfillment in a New Role

    1h 35m
  4. #207- Safe Word

    JAN 30

    #207- Safe Word

    Back at it again with the second episode of The Safe Word, where real conversations driven by you—the listeners—are unpacked by seasoned miners with decades of experience. This raw, unscripted discussion tackles some of the most debated—and often misunderstood—topics in mining safety, cutting through policy talk to focus on what actually matters at the face. The conversation begins with safety glasses, examining when they are truly necessary, where the line exists between compliance and over-policing, and how to balance company policy, MSHA standards, and real-world hazard awareness without losing credibility with the workforce. We then shift into a deeper discussion on whether all accidents are preventable, exploring the realities of the human element, external factors, and the role of safety professionals in influencing behavior without becoming "the safety cop." Finally, the episode takes a hard look at complacency—how routine, fatigue, confidence, and attitude can quietly erode situational awareness, and why addressing complacency requires awareness and leadership, not just additional rules.   Chapters:  01:31 Safety Glasses Debate 18:03 Philosophical Safety Questions 22:48 Understanding Risk Assessments 23:58 The Importance of JSAs 26:55 Learning from Experience 30:44 Complacency vs. Confidence 32:50 The Human Element in Safety 40:57 Attitude and Work Ethic

    48 min

  5. JAN 28

    #206- Utah Mining Association: Lyndsey Wright

    In this thought-provoking episode, Mining Minds, sit down with Lyndsay Wright, Executive Director of the Women's Mining Coalition, for an honest, wide-ranging conversations. From growing up in Texas to working in real estate finance, navigating burnout, and ultimately finding purpose in mining advocacy, Lyndsay shares a career journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and authenticity. This episode goes far beyond job titles. Lyndsay opens up about mental health, work ethic, generational shifts, burnout, leadership styles, and why understanding people is just as critical as understanding numbers. The conversation dives deep into the realities of mining today — workforce challenges, permitting hurdles, advocacy in Washington, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the urgent need to tell mining's story in a way people can actually connect with. Please help us Welcome Lyndsey Wright to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.   Women's Mining Coalition Fly-in Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veVuZBA76Q0   Episode Sponsors:    Utah Mining Association  JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine & Radiator    Chapters:    08:25 Growing Up, Sports, and Early Identity 15:00 Work Ethic, Mentorship, and Learning to Grind 22:15 Corporate Refinement vs. Entrepreneurial Chaos 31:46 Burnout, Mental Health, and Knowing When to Pivot 39:57 Entering Mining: A Leap of Faith That Stuck 47:31 Boots on the Ground: Why Operations Matter 54:27 Discovering the Women's Mining Coalition 58:05 Fly-Ins to DC: Telling Mining's Human Story 01:06:20 The Missing Voice of Mining in Government 01:17:06 Rebuilding and Reenergizing WMC

    1h 39m

  6. 12/31/2025

    #205- 2025 Glizzy Golf

    We close out 2025 with a special episode recorded live from the Glizzy Golf Tournament at the Elko Municipal Golf Course — a one-of-a-kind event that continues to bring the mining industry together in the most authentic way possible. This episode is a fast-paced, round-table style snapshot of the people who make mining what it is. From engineers, geotechnical and environmental professionals, surveyors, metallurgists, and processing leaders, to first-generation miners and seasoned veterans — Glizzy Golf is where backgrounds, disciplines, and companies collide on common ground. With over 60 participants and a growing mix of returning players and first-timers, this tournament has become a true reflection of the mining community — collaborative, competitive, welcoming, and built on shared respect. As we wrap up the final episode of 2025, this one stands as a testament to why Mining Minds exists: to tell the stories of the people behind the industry and highlight the connections that keep it moving forward. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. Here's to 2026, more conversations, and another year of growing the Mining Minds community. Happy New Year — and stay safe.   Chapters: 1:33 – 7:42 James Macpherson & Josh Hayes 7:46 – 20:43 Logan Connolly 20:47 – 26:30 Justin Samardzic 26:33 – 33:19 Jake Oakley 33:23 – 39:49 Rolo Rodriguez 39:53 – 57:35 Lauren Shyluk 57:39 – 1:02:29 Vince Quintero 1:02:33 – 1:13:21 Samantha McCleary

    1h 16m
  7. #204- Safe Word

    12/17/2025

    #204- Safe Word

    Before the citations. Before the regulations. Before the arguments—there's people. In the first-ever Safe Word segment of Mining Minds, Grover sits down with longtime mentor, former MSHA inspector, and no-nonsense safety professional Jim Hoover to have the conversations most safety meetings never do. This episode strips away the myths, the fear, and the finger-pointing around mining safety and replaces them with something better: honesty, experience, and critical thinking. They break down what MSHA actually does (and doesn't do), why citations aren't cash grabs, and how perception, personality, and human judgment shape every inspection. From the difference between being compliant and being truly safe, to why asking why matters more than memorizing the 30 CFR, this episode is about understanding safety—not weaponizing it. You'll hear real stories from the pit and the inspector's side, hard lessons learned early in a career, and why building relationships—rather than hiding when inspectors show up—can make operations safer for everyone. Brass in—join the conversation and be a part of The Safe Word.   Chapters: 01:50 Why This Safety Conversation Started 02:41 Opinion, Experience, and Inviting Disagreement 07:52 Mining Safety Myths: Do Inspectors Get Paid for Citations? 10:55 The Human Element of Inspections 13:26 Understanding the 30 CFR and Asking "Why" 17:48 Real-World Example 22:34 Regional Differences and Interpretation of Standards 29:05 Inspectors as a Resource, Not the Enemy 35:32 Recognizing Good Work and Building Safety Culture

    52 min
  8. #203- Mine Safety & Health Conference: Don Neff

    12/13/2025

    #203- Mine Safety & Health Conference: Don Neff

    Join Mining Minds from the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference as we sit down with Don Neff, Security Manager and longtime Nevadan. Don shares his journey from growing up in Elko County to serving in the Air Force's photo-recon field, working as a Nevada Highway Patrol officer, and ultimately finding his place in mining safety. Drawing on decades of experience, Don talks about reading people, leading through influence, and navigating the impact of emerging technology, autonomy, and AI on mine safety. He breaks down the importance of true partnerships—especially in contractor management—and the need for meaningful engagement, strong systems, and asking the right "what if" questions. Please help us welcome Don Neff to the Face! Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for providing us the opportunity to participate in this event.  Event Sponsor:  Safety First Training and Consulting Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance  Liebherr Mining  Chapters: 00:45 Growing Up Nevada 01:40 High School, Sports, and Early Ambitions 02:30 Joining the Air Force & Seeing the World 05:45 Culture Shock Abroad 07:40 Returning Home & Working for Nevada Highway Patrol 09:00 Policing During Nevada's Mining Boom 12:30 From Law Enforcement to Mining Safety 14:45 Technology, Autonomy & Safety Skepticism 18:40 Regulation Gaps & Challenges with MSHA 25:00 Leading Indicators, Engagement & Safety Culture 31:00 Contractor Management & True Partnerships 35:45 Moving Into Security 39:30 Mentorship, Leadership & Final Thoughts

    1h 16m
See All (211)

4.9
out of 5
95 Ratings

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
    211
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MiningMindsllc 2019
  • Show Website
    Mining Minds

You Might Also Like