In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Nate Trujillo, a seasoned surface miner and supervisor out of Ely, Nevada. From his early days in construction and mining to his return home after years in Las Vegas, Nate shares his career journey, the challenges of mining copper, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Nate opens up about the values that drive him as a leader—coaching, mentoring, and investing in people to build strong crews and lasting careers. He discusses balancing life in small mining communities, the struggles of separating friendship from business, and the family values that connect miners across generations.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Nate reflects on fatherhood from a distance, striving to be the dad he never had while raising a son in Southern Nevada. With humor, honesty, and stories of resilience, this episode highlights the heart of mining: family, community, and the drive to do better every day.

Chapters:

01:00 Early Days & Getting into Mining

03:00 Money vs. Challenge in Mining

05:00 Career Path & Supervisory Ambitions

07:00 Leadership Style & Coaching

10:00 Mentorship & Sustaining Success

13:00 Small-Town Mining Life & Tough Decisions

20:00 Mining Challenges & Community

23:00 Work-Life Balance & Outlets

29:00 Tooth Story & Family Boxing Matches

41:00 Fatherhood from a Distance