In this episode, Mining Minds sit down with Paul Wilmot, a multi-generational miner and chemical engineer from East Ely, Nevada, who grew up playing hockey and later found his way to mining. We dive deep into the importance of revitalizing modern mining as a U.S. industry focus and break down natural progressions in mining methods, especially around sustainable practices. Paul shares insights on his unique path, learning from his dad, first experiences underground and as an electrician, and his observations on passion and purpose in mining today. We explore workforce structures, understanding the work that miners actually do, pushing mill throughput, investing in future modern mining, and the dog getting the finger! Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Paul Wilmot to the Face!

Episode Sponsors

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Mining Minds Workforce Development

Episode Chapters

00:00

Early Paul Wilmot

11:39

"Sustainable" Mining is an oxymoron

29:22

Designing and Commissioning Roasters/Autoclaves

01:03:38

On both sides of the fence the grass is yellow

02:06:48

Processing and Pushing Mills

02:18:07

Investing in Mine Life

02:22:16

The Dog got the finger

In this episode, Mining Minds welcomes Conway Fraser, co-founder of Fraser Torosay and co-author of Leaders Under Fire! Drawing from his roots in Sudbury, Canada, Conway shares his incredible journey growing up in a mining town on the Nickel Belt, where his passion for storytelling blossomed through high school broadcasting.

Conway reflects on his early career reporting on mining companies, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learned on his way to becoming an award-winning investigative journalist at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. We dive into the fast-paced world of today’s media, emphasizing the crucial importance of trusting credible information. Conway also opens up about his bold decision to leave a successful journalism career to empower mining companies to share their positive stories.

In our conversations we tackle one of the mining industry's biggest challenges: the failure to communicate. Conway underscores the necessity of transparency with both workers and the communities surrounding mining operations. He shares effective strategies for proactively managing communication, advocating for a more engaged and informed mining sector.

We explore the vital role communication plays in mining and how leaders can harness their stories to build trust and connection within the mining industry. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Conway Fraser to the Face!

Episode Sponsors

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

Motor Mission

Ill Zakiel - Gotta Work

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro and Mine Expo Las Vegas Recap

12:05 Growing up in a Mining Town

25:22 Finding Broadcasting

32:48 College Days

39:17 Heavy Industry Broadcasting

50:02 Trusting Media

53:59 Mining's biggest risk

105:48 Recognizing the importance of communication

119:19 Educating the world on mining

132:40 Viewing mining as somthing to invest in

138:08 Advice for the industry

141:12 Having fun in his career

150:00 Episode Recap

Hector Denogean, a third-generation miner, travels all the way from Arizona to join Mining Minds in studio to share his journey in the mining industry. Hector takes us back to his first job, fresh out of school, where he learned the ropes of working with people—managing personalities, building bonds, and understanding the importance of teamwork in the mine. He sought to earn the respect of his peers, prove his worth, and overcome the challenges of the job.

We discuss the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped his career. Hector recalls the gut-wrenching moment when he was pulled out of the mine mid-shift because the company was closing its doors. He reflects on overcoming the challenges of sinking shafts in the hot, wet mines of Arizona, where both brute strength and engineering were required to complete the task.

He also shares the darkest part of his journey—the loss of co-workers. In this candid conversation, Hector reveals how that tragedy became a turning point in his career, inspiring him to partner with management to foster a culture of safety. He emphasizes the importance of humility, the value of listening to experienced miners, and the power of working together. Hector believes mining is, at its core, a people industry—where the miners, not just the ore, define the company.

This episode is a raw and inspiring tribute to the resilience of miners, the deep connections forged underground, and the human side of an industry often known for its tough exterior. Tune in after the podcast to hear one of Hectors own songs--Miners Nightmare! Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Hector Denogean to the Face!

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

Mining Minds DiSC

Get ready for a special episode of Mining Minds as we hit the greens at the White Pine County Golf Course for the Eastern Nevada SME’s annual scholarship fundraiser! This event is all about bringing the community and region together to support the future of mining. We had the unique privilege of sitting down with some bright young minds to discuss how the mining industry can improve and what steps we need to take to prepare the next generation of miners. @Tayorbrunson, @Tanner Brunson, @Kason Ernest

We also caught up with Nick Tallerico, the talented artist who kept the event buzzing! From his first performance in a small-town bar at a young age to handling those tricky song requests, Nick’s music journey is one you don’t want to miss. His album is set to drop soon, and he’ll be joining us in the studio to dive deeper into his musical and mining journey. In the meantime, check him out at @hollowwoodsounds.

Mining Minds is proud to be part of this incredible event and to support the positive impact the Eastern Nevada SME is making on future miners. Join the conversation!

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

FAST2 Mine

Ill Zakiel - 775

Mining Minds dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the mining industry, led by the visionary CTO and Co-founder of Razor Labs, Michael Zolotov. From his roots in Ukraine to his successful immigration to Israel, Michael shares his unique journey—growing up in a family of doctors, leveraging his military background, and ultimately pioneering cutting-edge AI technology in the mining sector.

Michael discusses the revolutionary impact of Razor Labs’ AI-driven fusion technology, explaining how it’s poised to change the face of mining operations. We explore how this technology is enhancing operational efficiencies, prolonging component life cycles, reducing maintenance costs, and significantly improving safety by enabling more planned work.

But with any new technology comes the challenge of trust. Michael sheds light on how Razor Labs has tackled this challenge head-on, building strong relationships with mining operations around the world and proving the reliability and value of their solutions. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Michael Zolotov to the Face!

Meet Razor Labs in Las Vegas at the Mine Expo

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

FAST2 Mine

Ill Zakiel – Feeling Good

Join us in the studio as we chat with John Simpson, Southwest Regional Manager for Arnold Machinery, who shares his incredible journey from a young boy greasing equipment in Colorado to a seasoned leader in the mining industry. Growing up working for his dad, John was introduced to hard work early on, but his passion for rodeo led him to meet world-class individuals and eventually become a rodeo judge.

John opens up about his transition into the mining industry, drawn by the regular schedule, steady pay, and the benefits that come with the job. Over the years, he’s climbed the ranks, holding multiple leadership roles where he learned the critical importance of supporting and engaging with his teams.

In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies behind planning, reliability, and production—key drivers in the mining sector. John also shares his thoughts on the value of family, the importance of feeling valued at work, and his hopes for the next generation of miners. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome John Simpson to the Face!

Mining Minds -DiSC

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

FAST2 Mine

Ill Zakiel - Drive

In this episode, Mining Minds welcomes Amanda Christensen, Regional Manager for Komatsu in Elko and President of the Nevada Chapter Women in Mining. Amanda shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Montana, where she was heavily involved in sports, to becoming a second-generation miner. Starting as a driller helper, Amanda has worked in various roles, including environmental, maintenance, and material handling, while also running her own business, Thin Air Powersports. Amanda offers valuable insights on the importance of simplicity, the power of asking questions, and learning from failure. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Amanda Christensen to the Face!

Komatsu - Careers

Rubicon Mechanical

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Fast2 Mine

On this episode of the Mining Minds podcast, we sit down for a quick chat about the 2024 Elko Mining Expo, Breaking Rock with Mining Minds, and what we've been up to this summer.

Tune in as we detail some studio highlights, talk about upcoming guests, and walk through some exciting new opportunities for the second half of 2024!

Don't miss out on all the latest updates and insights from Mining Minds and don’t forget to Brass in with your comments, opinions and ideas for future episodes.

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Ill Zakiel