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