From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at Great Basin College (GBC/NORCAT), Travis Macias embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds, Travis shares his raw, real journey through life underground — from hard lessons on the jackleg to leading Nevada’s next generation of miners. He opens up about fatherhood, faith, mentorship, and how tragedy and resilience guided his purpose. Whether you’re a miner, mentor, or dreamer, this is an episode about humility, perseverance, and the power of giving a damn.

Travis reflects on the old-school lessons that forged his work ethic, the mentors who pushed him to be better, and the importance of accountability both at work and at home. He dives deep into how mining shaped his character — and how he’s now shaping the future of the industry through education and innovation. Tune in for real talk, laughs, and life lessons from a man who’s lived it, led it, and continues to pay it forward. Please help us Welcome Travis Macias to the Face!

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Episode Chapters:

04:12 – Growing Up Carlin Tough

08:41 – When Home Becomes a Time, Not a Place

13:21 – Hard Lessons and Humility Underground

16:42 – Safety, Tragedy, and the Moment Everything Changed

27:26 – Tough Bosses, Tough Love, Real Growth

36:26 – Workforce Development: Then vs. Now

40:08 – Brotherhood, Bar Fights, and Bonds Built Underground

54:05 – Leaving the Mine: Building a Gym, Building Character

01:17:13 – Entering Training: Teaching the Next Generation

01:43:33 – Technology, VR, and Immersive Mining Education

01:53:07 – Raising Up Others, Not Holding Them Back

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 into much of the episode, much of our day was spent talking about Fishing With Vets — a nonprofit dedicated to giving veterans the chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and find peace on the water. Through guided fishing trips and community events, they honor and support both active duty and retired service members.

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Episode Chapters:

06:20 A third-generation mining legacy

09:54 Testing samples & catching failures early

13:14 Mining for sustainability vs. production pressure

15:22 Old technology, new challenges

17:06 AI, automation & the union perspective

21:57 Community impact of mine closures

27:02 Military roots to mining career

32:08 How Iron Range connects to global steel

36:23 Passion, pride & America’s steel backbone

39:36 Permitting roadblocks & mining’s future

43:18 Mining as a career path for the next generation

49:25 Respect for every role—from truck drivers to lab techs

What does pride, legacy, and the future of mining look like on Minnesota’s Iron Range? In this episode, we sit down with Ida Rukavinia, Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, and Kristen Vake, Executive Director of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, to dig deep into the history, culture, and future of mining in northern Minnesota.

From immigrant roots and unions that shaped entire communities, to today’s challenges of permitting, workforce development, and the global demand for critical minerals—Ida and Kristen share candid insights about what it means to grow up in a mining family, how mining tax dollars are reinvested back into schools and communities, and why educating the next generation is more important than ever.

Whether you’re rooted in the Iron Range or just discovering its story, this episode will remind you why mining is more than an industry—it’s a lifeline for communities, a driver of innovation, and a proud tradition carried forward by people like Ida and Kristen who refuse to quit.

Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (MiningMinnesota) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Gold West Fire and Safety Services

JSR Fleet Performances

Episode Chapters:

05:40 The Legacy of the Iron Range

13:05 From Past Struggles to Present Opportunities

17:30 Ida’s Journey to Commissioner

26:10 Mining Tax Dollars and Community Reinvestment

41:00 Global Markets and the Critical Minerals Future

50:15 Building Public Trust & Industry Education

54:40 Collaboration Between Industry & Government

59:10 Looking Ahead: The Future of Minnesota Mining

In this special episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down at U.S. Steel Minntac with Mike Bakk, Director of Facilities Excellence, and Chrissy Bartovich, Senior Director of Environmental. From humble beginnings to leading major projects that shape the future of steelmaking, Mike and Crissy share their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and the innovations driving today’s mining industry.

We dive into the transformation of mining from “pick and shovel” to high-tech operations featuring AI, robotic dogs, and advanced reliability systems. Mike and Crissy sheds light on the critical role of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the innovations needed to meet evolving regulations. Together, their stories highlight resilience, continuous improvement, and a legacy of mining that sustains families, communities, and industries for generations to come. Brass in to join the conversation!

Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (MiningMinnesota) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

JSR Fleet Performance

Liebherr Mining

Episode Chapters:

02:15 Mike’s early start and path into mining

07:50 Lessons from leadership at a young age

13:15 Managing crews and building respect

17:00 Career moves and new opportunities at Keetac

26:00 The $150M pellet upgrade project

29:00 Community pride and the impact of steelmaking

34:00 Robotics, AI, and mining’s digital future

38:00 Crissy’s journey into mining & environmental leadership

48:40 Compliance, community trust, and high standards

53:30 Community advisory panels & public transparency

59:30 Innovation in environmental solutions: crowdsourcing success

01:09:00 Opportunities at U.S. Steel and the future of mining

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Matt and Julie Lucas at their home on Minnesota’s historic Iron Range. From growing up in Hibbing and Chisholm to careers in environmental consulting, mining operations, and advocacy, Matt and Julie share their personal journeys that reflect the resilience and determination of the mining industry.

Matt talks about working nearly two decades alongside his father before joining the mines, where he’s now part of the steelworkers’ union, keeping critical supply chains moving. Julie opens up about her path from environmental science into mining leadership, her battle with breast cancer, and her current role advocating for responsible mining and community growth.

Together, they highlight their passion for service—especially through Fishing with Vets, an organization that provides healing and connection for veterans through outdoor experiences. We also dive into conversations about purpose, the future of mining, and the deep pride of living on the Iron Range.

This episode is about more than mining—it’s about people, perseverance, and the power of community. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Matt & Julie Lucas to the Face!

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

Liebherr Mining

Episode Chapters:

1:06 Welcome to the Lucas Home

3:21 From Family Business to Mining

7:15 Warehousing, Logistics, & Hot Shots

11:38 Fishing With Vets

19:00 The Lucas Love Story

21:35 From Anti-Mining to Mining Advocate

35:37 Reconciling Environment & Mining

45:15 Advocacy & Collaboration Across Mining

54:03 Pride in the Iron Range Heritage

Overlooking iconic Hibbing Taconite Mining Operation in Minnesota, Mining Minds had the opportunity to speak with two remarkable women whose stories capture the history and heart of mining in the state.

First, we’re joined by Talia Sandys, Communications and Engagement Director for Mining Minnesota, who has been our guide through the region’s rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the incredible 30+ year career of Darleen Gargano, a retired miner who began her journey in 1976 when opportunities for women in the pit were almost unheard of. From her first day pulling cable and driving haul trucks to operating graders in subzero blizzards, Darleen shares candid stories about resilience, camaraderie, and the changing face of the industry.

Along the way, we explore Hibbing’s fascinating history—including the relocation of an entire town for mining, the legendary Hibbing High School, and life growing up in a tight-knit rural community. With humor, honesty, and a lifetime of lessons, Darleen reflects on what it took to thrive in a male-dominated industry and why she wouldn’t trade her experiences for anything.

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Episode Chapters:

1:21 Growing Up in Hibbing, MN

9:32 First Jobs & Path to Mining

12:02 First Day in the Pit

16:59 Night Shifts & Northern Lights

22:37 Haul Trucks, Equipment Training & Early MSHA

26:21 Grader in the Ditch & Earning Respect

37:31 Paving a New Way

44:00 The Labor Bus

56:34 Advocacy, Education, Collaboration from Mining Minnesota

Get ready for one of our most unforgettable episodes yet—recorded on a pontoon boat floating on Fall Lake, at the edge of the iconic Boundary Waters in Minnesota! This isn’t just another podcast; it’s a full-circle conversation with Dean DeBeltz, a third-generation Iron Ranger, passionate outdoorsman, and Vice President of External Relations & Project Operations at Twin Metals Minnesota.

From running towboats at 12 years old to shaping the mining culture of a next-generation copper-nickel project, Dean’s story is a tribute to the grit, heart, and pride that defines the Minnesota mining country. He dives deep into the sacrifices, the career pivots, and the love for land and legacy that have guided his path—and how responsible mining can help secure the future of entire communities. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Dean DeBeltz to the Face!

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Gold West Fire

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Episode Chapter:

0:00 Welcome Aboard the Pontoon Podcast

4:16 From frozen rinks to deer stands

6:03 Biochemistry to Building Homes

11:49 Mining Comes Calling

14:58 The Culture of Mining: Support, Camaraderie, and Growth

18:29 Safety is About People, Not Policing

22:48 Understanding the Boundary Waters

27:01 The metals we’ll mine, are the metals you’ll use

39:49 Diversity in mining

46:29 Regulations that haven’t been tested

52:33 Continuing the passion with a purpose

In this special on-location episode, Mining Minds travels to the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range to sit down with Rory Oberhelman, Senior Project Coordinator, and Johnny Eloranta, Community Relations Advisor at New Range Copper Nickel. Broadcasting from the iconic nickel room, the conversation dives into the history, pride, and promise of mining in northern Minnesota.

Rory shares his unconventional journey from cabin building in Alaska to environmental permitting and project leadership, highlighting how personal purpose and community impact led him deeper into mining. Johnny brings a generational perspective—combining his family's blasting legacy, a background in environmental science, and experience shaping federal mining policy.

Together, they discuss the challenges of permitting, the value of responsible domestic mineral production, and the revitalization of a brownfield site with a century of potential ahead. With heartfelt insights on community, sustainability, and the next generation of miners, this episode shines a spotlight on what it truly means to mine with purpose.

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Liebherr Mining

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Welcome to the Iron Range

3:07 From Cabins to Core

7:30 Permits, Patience, and Policy

13:03 Dual Perspectives

15:59 Identity & American Pride

19:21 Modern Mining, Real Impact

27:30 Opportunity to Build Generational Culture

34:11 If Not Here, Then Where?