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

This one is personal.

Beatty, Nevada isn't just another mining town—it's our hometown. It's where we grew up, where we learned what community really means, and where mining first became real to us. Coming back and sitting down with Gus Sullivan, Beatty's Justice of the Peace, isn't just a conversation—it's a chance to reconnect with the people and stories that helped shape who we are.

Gus has seen every version of this town. From working at his family's gas station to serving in law enforcement and eventually stepping into the role of Justice of the Peace, his story is woven into the fabric of Beatty. Through decades of change, one thing has remained constant—his commitment to the people who call this place home.

This episode also gives a real look at what happens when mining shows up at your doorstep—the growth, the pressure, the uncertainty, and the opportunity. But this time feels different. With AngloGold Ashanti stepping in, there's a clear effort to do it the right way—working alongside the community, supporting local infrastructure, and building with a long-term mindset instead of a short-term boom.

It's not just about what mining brings out of the ground—it's about the legacy it builds above it.

We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the doors and giving us the opportunity to showcase the people in our home town of Beatty Nevada.

Episode Sponsors:

Walsh Reclamation Inc.

Safety First Training & Consulting

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Episode Chapters:

02:05 Marine One Discovery

08:50 Deputy Ride Along Hook

12:25 High Speed Lesson

17:48 Mine Boom Shockwave

25:08 Community Policing Trust

28:26 Honoring Dad Legacy

29:41 Clinic Grants and Care

33:13 Town and Mine Partnership

38:25 Beatty Life and Family

40:02 Halloween and Cruising Days

43:25 Coaching and Community

45:25 Grandkids and Big Dreams

In this episode, Mining Minds had the opportunity to get back to our roots in a small mining town that's seeing new life through projects like North Bullfrog and Arthur with AngloGold Ashanti. While on site, we sat down with Nick Fouché, Senior Vice President of Nevada Projects for AngloGold Ashanti—an individual who cares just as much about production and the success of the town as he does about the people and the environmental impact.

From growing up on the coast of South Africa to leading world-class mining projects across the globe, Nick shares a journey shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to step into the unknown.

This episode goes far beyond a traditional career story. It dives into the evolution of mining through the lens of environmental responsibility, community engagement, and leadership. Nick walks us through his unconventional path—from environmental science and military service to building world class operations—and how those experiences shaped his approach to modern mining.

We explore the importance of onboarding, culture, and collaboration, why understanding people is just as critical as understanding geology, and how global experience creates better leaders. Nick also gives us insight into AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, a true tier-one opportunity, and how balancing production, environmental stewardship, and community trust is at the core of their vision.

We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the door and giving us the opportunity to showcase their people and the work happening on this project.

To learn more and stay up to date on AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, sign up for their e-newsletter by clicking here.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Safety First Training & Consulting

Walsh Reclamation Inc.

Episode Chapters:

02:10 Growing Up South African

05:27 Choosing Environmental Science

10:06 Why Travel Builds Leaders

15:00 Environmental Values and Mining

20:27 Military Service

31:45 Trust With Communities

40:48 Learning Uranium Mining

47:17 Onboarding Done Right

51:05 Mine Improvement Program

53:27 Global Career Snapshot

57:29 Nevada Project Today