Mining Minds

As we wrap up our tour to the Minnesota Iron Range, Mining Minds had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Sterns and Virginia Bennett of US Steel Minntac for a raw and insightful conversation about life, mining, and community in Minnesota’s Iron Range. From Bob’s deep-rooted family history in mining to Virginia’s journey from military brat to analytical technician, they share their insight into the mining cycle of the Iron Range and their passion for preserving it through responsible mining. We talk oil analysis, pellet production, the critical role of Iron Range mining in America’s infrastructure, and the challenges—and opportunities—of technology like AI and autonomy in mining. With humor, honesty, and a few unexpected tangents, this episode delivers both laughter and lessons. Please help us welcome Bob & Virginia to the Face! Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) for making this episode possible. Although it didn’t make it in