In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down at the Mine Safety & Health Conference with returning guest Diane Watson — a respected safety professional, MSHA veteran, and industry leader dedicated to improving safety culture across mining.

Originally featured on Episode #93, Diane returns to share her passion for connecting people, fostering communication, and ensuring the next generation of miners understands the "why" behind safety. From her start as a haul truck operator to her time with MSHA and now as the founder of Silverado Compliance Solutions, Diane talks mentorship, accountability, leadership, and the challenges of evolving safety standards in a fast-changing industry.

Catch both of Diane's episodes on all major podcast platforms.

Event Sponsor:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Liebherr Minining

Chapters:

02:24 Reconnecting with Diane Watson: From Episode #93 to Now

06:04 Passing the Torch: Mentorship and Losing Industry Knowledge

08:43 Communication, Culture, and the Importance of "Why"

10:48 Compliance vs. Culture: Turning Rules into Conversations

13:20 From MSHA to Silverado Compliance Solutions

16:27 Teaching Supervisors: The Role of Responsibility and Accountability

19:30 Defining "Agents of the Company" and Ownership in Safety

23:11 Building Relationships with Inspectors and Regulators

34:19 Technology, AI, and the Future of Mine Safety Standards

37:10 The Human Element: Mental Health and Worker Connection

40:42 Big Companies, Bigger Culture — Keeping People First

50:06 Integrity in Consulting and Working with Purpose

53:18 Collaboration, Community, and What Keeps Diane Motivated

In this cutting-edge episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Michael Hartley, Managing Director of InterKnowlogy, a North American AI and performance visualization company revolutionizing how the mining industry makes decisions. From his early years in Nova Scotia to his global career in oil, gas, and mining, Michael shares a fascinating journey that connects human performance, data-driven decision-making, and the future of AI in industrial operations.

With real-world lessons, Michael breaks down how human factors engineering and artificial intelligence can change safety, efficiency, and leadership across the mining world. Discover how InterKnowlogy's Command Center and Caddi technologies are transforming decision-making at every level — from operators to executives — by helping people make better, faster, and smarter choices. This episode dives into technology, leadership, and the human side of innovation — a must-listen for anyone passionate about mining's future, workforce development, and real-world applications of AI in heavy industry. Please help us Welcome Michael Hartley to the Face!

Episode Sponsors:

Liebherr Mining

JSR Fleet Performance

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Episode Chapters:

03:00 – From Nova Scotia Roots to a Global Perspective

06:15 – Human Factors Engineering: The Science Behind Better Decisions

09:40 – Turning Data into Smarter, Safer Mining

13:10 – Lessons from his early career

18:30 – Mining's Future: Transparency, Trust, and Transformation

23:45 – AI Meets Mining: The Birth of Caddi

31:20 – The Human Element of Artificial Intelligence

38:00 – Changing Culture Through Smarter Decision-Making

45:50 – The Power of Visualization and Real-Time Insight

53:25 – Workforce Development and the Next Generation of Miners

01:20:00 – Building the Future of Mining with InterKnowlogy

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