On this episode of the Mining Minds podcast, we sit down with surveyor extraordinaire Leatha Reeves to explore her remarkable mining journey! Raised in small-town Nevada, Leatha chose to stay home instead of accepting a full-ride volleyball scholarship. Her journey began while waitressing at a local restaurant, where she was recruited to work at the mines as a surveyor, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Leatha shares her experiences of early underground mining in southern Nevada, the impactful relationships she has built over her 35-year career, and how she gained her vast knowledge and stellar reputation through sweat equity. She also discusses the exciting future of mining, influenced by gamers and technology, and how she inspired her daughter to join the industry. Leatha highlights why surveying is the best job, humorously noting that you get to tell people where to go and what to do! Join Mining Minds as we welcome Leatha Reeves to the podcast!

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Ill Zakiel – Gold Country

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! On this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with a true matriarch, Grandma Sally Trujillo. Her warmth, wisdom, and boundless love have shaped us in ways we can never repay. As we sipped coffee in her living room, we soaked in her life's remarkable journey and cherished her unforgettable tales. Grandma Sally epitomizes seizing every moment, giving selflessly, and loving unconditionally. She's a beacon of inspiration, reminding us to embrace life's beauty and spread love wherever we go. Join Mining Minds as we wish a Happy Mother’s Day to our, Grandma Sally, and to all the extraordinary mothers who enrich our lives every day.

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

In the latest episode of our podcast, Mining Minds, had the honor of sitting down with the incredible Sam Faga, External Affairs Superintendent for Kinross Nevada. Sam's journey is nothing short of inspiring - from overcoming challenges as a young parent to navigating through tough economic times, her resilience shines through.

Starting as a medical assistant, Sam discovered her passion for mining and hasn't looked back since. Her positivity is contagious, and her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. Through her career, she's found not only professional success but also lifelong friendships and a deep sense of fulfillment.

With her heart set on shaping the future of mining, she's now dedicating herself to mentoring and empowering the next generation of workforce. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Sam Faga to the Face!

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Liebherr

Fast2 Mine

Ill Zakiel

Join us in welcoming Aaron Witt, the self-proclaimed "Chief Dirt Nerd" and CEO of BuildWitt, as he sits down with Mining Minds and Joseph Kemp, VP and GM of Kinross Gold Corporation - Nevada, for an industry chat you won't want to miss!

Aaron's journey from a kid with no exposure to the dirt world to a passionate advocate for the mining industry is truly amazing. He's turning his childhood passion into a thriving career, and he's here to share his insights with us.

Aaron discusses the value of learning from failure, the courage it takes to enter a new industry, and the importance of exposure and experience. We'll also dive into the potential for young talent in mining, the significance of recognizing development at all levels, and the power of collaboration as we embrace the next generation of mining. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Aaron Witt to the Face!

Click Here to watch Aaron's Trip to Nevada

BuildWitt

Kinross Gold Corporation

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Liebherr Mining

Fast2 Mine

Ill Zakiel

Join us for the premiere episode of Mining Minds, where Commercial Manager for Cyanco, Brandie McDaniel, steps into our brand-new studio!

With a rich family history deeply rooted in mining, Brandie delves into her captivating 30-year journey within the industry. From her upbringing in and around Nevada brothels, to receiving invaluable support from mining companies for her education and diving headfirst into mining as a temp for a global OEM, Brandie shares her remarkable experiences and insights.

Brandie talks about the myriad opportunities mining has presented her and her family, finding her calling in the supply chain realm, and her passion for educating others about the mining world.

We explore the transformative power of shifting from "I have to do this" to "I get to do this," the pivotal role of mentors in our field, and the truth that success in mining isn't reserved for those born into wealth. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Brandie McDaniel to the Face!

Fast2 Mine

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission

Ill Zakiel – Gold Country

In our last episode before Mining Minds make its big move to the new studio! We're thrilled to have Teryn Faiman, Director of Human Resources and President of Women in Mining for the Nevada chapter, joining us for an inspiring conversation. Teryn shares her journey from growing up around mining to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and her passion for empowering others to develop their careers. Discover Teryn's insights into the world of human resources in mining, and her excitement as she serves as the president of Women in Mining, bringing people together to highlight our incredible industry. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Teryn Faiman to the Face!

Women in Mining

FAST2 Mine

Liebherr Mining

Ram Enterprise Inc

Ill Zakiel

Mining Minds sits down in studio with than Jerry Rynearson, the Owner and President of JSR Fleet Performance.

Jerry's journey in the mining industry began with a simple job search, but little did he know it would ignite a lifelong passion for equipment operation. He takes us back to his early days, where he learned the ropes by giving breaks to fellow operators and even had the privilege of training his now-wife!

Jerry talks about sifting through a major gold deposit, with a geologist, using his D11 dozer, he discusses looking at our past to find future successes and shares invaluable advice for budding supervisors: always listen to your team and take the time to explain the 'why'.

From traversing the globe to educate operations to revamping JSR Fleet Performance to bridge industry gaps, Jerry's journey is nothing short of inspiring! Join Mining Minds as we welcome Jerry Rynearson to the Face!

JSR Fleet Performance

Contact JSR Fleet Performance for upcoming event information

FAST2 Mine

Liebherr Mining

Ill Zakiel – Drive

Seasoned underground face miner Ricky Montoya joins Mining Minds, at the Face, to talk about mining! Ricky talks about starting out as a lubber on the surface before finding his home in underground mining. He walks us through his early days, learning from “old school” miners, moving from a maintenance function to an operation function, because of a bonus, and working to change some old perceptions of himself. Ricky provides his insight into the next generation of miners and, as an industry, working to adapt to them and their needs. We discuss being open to challenging old industry habits, being proud of the work produced, and questioning our individual standards for what is good versus what is good enough. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Ricky Montoya to the Face!

4TheMinerByTheMiner

Tool Maker - Facebook

FAST2 Mine

Liebherr

Rubicon Mechanical

Ill Zakiel - Feeling Good