Mining Minds

What does it take to go from a miner to following your passions? From small-town humble beginnings to the man on the big stage Ill Zakiel walks us through, not only his mining journey, but his success as a rap artist. Listen in as Mining Minds discusses this and more with the one and only Ill Zakiel.   For more information on Ill Zakiel visit his website at www.illzakiel.com or to support him visit his page on Patreon at www.patreon.com/illzakiel    

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Scott Arendt, a safety and health professional whose journey through mining has taken him from warehouse work to leadership in contractor safety and training. Scott shares how he broke into mining, the lessons he carried from his time at The Citadel military college, and the value of teamwork, leadership, and humor in building strong crews. Scott opens up about his career path, the challenges of change in the industry, and how he balances loyalty to the company with looking out for himself and his family. He also reflects on warehouse mishaps, leadership philosophies, and the importance of fun in the workplace. Outside of mining, Scott talks about being a father, coaching his kids, making custom wood art, and finding purpose in community and creativity. Brass in and join the conversation!  Chapters:    00:00 Scott’s Start in Mining & Warehouse Work 06:32 Transition to Logistics & Cortez Curtailed Operations 10:27 Moving into

Dozer operator, avid hunter, and proud father Hazen Mascaro stops by the studio to talk about his mining career. We discuss his passions, his profession, and life outside of work. Listen in as Hazen meets Mining Minds at the Face.

The individuals that make up a Mine Rescue team are essential to ensure the workforce goes home safe, especially when presented with an emergency. Mining Minds discusses their experiences, the commitment, camaraderie, and those individuals that volunteer to be part of a Mine Rescue team.  

Derrek Anderson joins us at the face to discuss working on some of the world's biggest shovels. He talks about his work as a contract electrician, his claim to fame as a calendar model, and his recent departure from mining into real estate.

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Kiwi Kaupa, an electrician, entrepreneur, and innovator who has taken his skills from New Zealand and Australia to the mining industry of Nevada. Kiwi shares how his love for fixing things began as a kid, how he built his career through an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, and why he sees mining as both a calling and an opportunity. He talks about transitioning from electrician to lawyer and back to mining, starting his own company, and developing a groundbreaking laser safety device designed to improve safety in both underground and surface mining. Kiwi also opens up about his values, his “Kiwi Standard,” and how family, faith, and culture drive everything he does. With humor, honesty, and a global perspective, this episode captures the story of a man who continues to innovate and raise the bar in mining safety and electrical work To support Mining Minds Brass in at miningmindsllc.com   Chapters:    0:00 Childhood Curiosity & Becoming an

Join Mining Minds as we sit down with Ramon Aguirre, an underground miner whose journey spans from the drifts of Nevada to serving his country in the U.S. Army. Ramon shares how his mining career began, what drove him to enlist in the military, and how the lessons of discipline, safety, and brotherhood have carried back into his life underground. Ramon opens up about the challenges of mining and military life, his transition back to the industry, and how family values continue to shape his work and personal drive. He reflects on his brother’s battle with leukemia, the inspiration he draws from him, and his own journey preparing for a 50K run to raise awareness and support. With honesty, humor, and resilience, Ramon’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and the strength of family—both at home and in the mining community Brass in and join the conversation at miningmindsllc.com   Chapters:   0:00 Ramon’s Early Mining Days & Family Roots 2:12 Joining the Military & Why He Served 4:03 Basic Traini

Join Mining Minds as we talk about money in the mining community. We discuss how we have managed money during our mining careers, what lessons we have learned, and the habits we try to develop. 

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Tom Mann, a proud multi-generational miner whose journey began in Idaho and carried him to the pits of Nevada. From running haul trucks, dozers, and blades to earning his seat as a shovel operator, Tom shares stories of adapting to big iron, building crews, and navigating the challenges of man camp life while raising a young family. Tom opens up about the sacrifices miners make—long stretches away from family, tough schedules, and the constant push for production—while also highlighting the rewards of brotherhood, good pay, and the pride of moving mountains. He reflects on lessons learned from mentors, the importance of safe operations, and how mine rescue and EMT training shaped his role beyond mining dirt.  Blending humor, grit, and honesty, Tom talks about the culture of competition between crews, the satisfaction of working with skilled truck drivers and dozer hands, and the responsibility of keeping his crew safe every shift. Whether y

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Tim Chapman, a Georgia native whose journey took him from football fields and construction sites in the South to the gold mines of Northern Nevada. Tim shares how an accident shifted his path from athletics to heavy equipment, his first days operating haul trucks in a Nevada snowstorm, and the values that have carried him through a diverse mining career. From running dozers and mentoring new operators to becoming a safety and health professional and mine rescue coordinator, Tim opens up about the lessons he’s learned in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. He talks about the cultural differences between southern and western mining, the brotherhood of operations crews, and how mine rescue shaped his purpose as a mentor and problem solver. Off the clock, Tim reflects on separating work from home, raising his family in Nevada, coaching youth football, and keeping faith and humility at the center of his life. With a mix of humor, southern charm, an

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Brad Stocks (Stocks Mining Services), known to many as the Rock Doctor and a true veteran of the underground. Growing up around mines with his father, Brad shares stories of cutting his teeth in small operations, driving declines into high-grade veins, and learning the hard lessons that shaped his career. From jacklegging at 19 to supervising major underground projects for some of the world’s largest mining companies, Brad talks about the importance of standards, safety, and the trust that binds miners together. He reflects on the sacrifices miners make for their families, the challenges of changing schedules and bonus structures, and what the Barrick–Newmont joint venture could mean for the future of mining in Nevada. Outside the mine, Brad opens up about his passion project—B Stocks Customs—where he builds custom trucks and side-by-sides, bringing the same attention to detail and pride in workmanship that he applies underground. With humor, hones

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Nate Trujillo, a seasoned surface miner and supervisor out of Ely, Nevada. From his early days in construction and mining to his return home after years in Las Vegas, Nate shares his career journey, the challenges of mining copper, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Nate opens up about the values that drive him as a leader—coaching, mentoring, and investing in people to build strong crews and lasting careers. He discusses balancing life in small mining communities, the struggles of separating friendship from business, and the family values that connect miners across generations. The conversation takes a personal turn as Nate reflects on fatherhood from a distance, striving to be the dad he never had while raising a son in Southern Nevada. With humor, honesty, and stories of resilience, this episode highlights the heart of mining: family, community, and the drive to do better every day. Chapters: 01:30 Nate’s Journey: From Crusher to Constr

In mining, the face is where the action happens—where the work is done, where the people are, and where the business begins. Mining Minds is a podcast based in one of the world’s most prolific gold-producing regions. Drawing from our own experiences and those of miners working at the face, we explore the lives of the individuals driving the industry forward, the communities and companies that support them, and the unique lifestyles they embrace. Through candid conversations and real-world insights, we examine the critical role mining plays in our global society—and why responsible, sustainable mining is essential for both our environment and our future. Brass in and join us for a podcast that informs, inspires, and entertains. Chapters:  00:00 Welcome to the Face! 3:50 What is Mining Minds? 7:40 The Heart of the Industry: The Miner 11:31Health and Wellness in Mining 15:21From Operator to Leader 19:11Learning Through Experience 23:02 The Role of Mine Rescue 26:52 Family, Finances, & Life Balance 3