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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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