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