Mining Minds

In this special on-location episode, Mining Minds [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/] travels to the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range to sit down with Rory Oberhelman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-oberhelman-b43a99143/], Senior Project Coordinator, and Johnny Eloranta [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johneloranta/], Community Relations Advisor at New Range Copper Nickel [https://www.newrangecoppernickel.com/]. 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielucasmn/] and Talia Sandys [https://www.linkedin.com/in/talia-sandys-5052a48/] (Mining Minnesota [https://miningminnesota.com/]) and Kristen Vake [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenvake/] (Iron Mining Association of MN [https://taconite.org/]) for making this episode possible. Episode Sponsors: Liebherr Mining [https://www.liebherr.com/en-us/mining-equipment/mining-equipment-4707223] RAM Enterprise Inc. [https://www.ram-enterprise.com/] Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals [https://www.heavymetalequipment.ca/] 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?

The mining industry stands at a crossroads. With a rapidly aging workforce, persistent misconceptions, and the growing demand for innovation, the need to reshape how we attract, develop, and retain talent has never been more urgent. In this powerful panel edition of the Mining Minds Podcast [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/], we bring together six influential leaders from across the industry to engage in an honest, forward-thinking discussion on the future of workforce development in mining. Featuring: * Alexia Carver [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiacarver1864/] (University of Nevada Reno [https://www.unr.edu/mackay]) – Metallurgical engineer student and student outreach advocate * Liz Diaz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-diaz-a2a81733/] (Hecla Nevada [https://www.hecla.com/exploration/nevada-usa]) – HR leader driving grassroots education and skilled trade pipelines * Don Dwyer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-dwyer-60267018/] (Orla Mining Ltd. [https://orlamining.com/]) – GM dedicated to leadership, development, and operational culture * Nikita Grover [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-grover-7194896b/] (Kinross Nevada [https://www.kinross.com/home/]) – HR strategist redefining mining’s brand and workforce engagement * Linda Honey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-honey/] (Protected at Work [https://protectedatwork.com/]) – Training and policy expert specializing in workplace safety, compliance, and psychological well-being * Victor Ortiz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-ortiz-b33727150/] (i80 Gold Corp [https://www.i80gold.com/]) – Safety director with firsthand knowledge of ground-up growth Together, the panel explores how to redefine mining careers for the next generation, what meaningful development truly look like on site, why the industry must embrace storytelling and digital presence, and how to build workplace cultures that grow people—not just fill roles. Episode Sponsors:  Liebherr Mining [https://www.liebherr.com/en-us/mining-equipment/mining-equipment-4707223] JSR Fleet Performance [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-rynearson-92916733/] Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals [https://www.heavymetalequipment.ca/] Episode Chapters:  0:00 Introduction & Panel Overview 9:06 Challenges from the HR Lens 11:48 Younger Perspectives 18:53 Messaging and Industry Branding 22:51 Measuring Success 27:43 Tech Adoption & Employee Buy-In 31:53 From Haul Trucks to Leadership 40:17 Sparking Youth Interest 43:36 Outbound Community Engagement 49:18 Reaching All Ages with the Right Message 53:03 Innovation & Speaking Up 55:31 Prioritizing Mental Wellness 1:02:49 Upskilling Through Experience 1:10:59 Open Questions – Barriers & Bold Moves

In this episode of the podcast Mining Minds [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/] sits down with two remarkable women reshaping the health and wellness landscape: Melissa Montalvo and Josie Cervantes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-cervantes-91a689178/] of Elko Replenish Med Spa [https://elkoreplenishmedspa.com/]. Together, they reveal how their professional experiences—from ER trauma to urgent care frustrations—sparked a vision: to create a space that not only heals but empowers. That vision became Elko Replenish Med Spa [https://www.tiktok.com/@elkoreplenishmedspa1], a modern facility focused on hormone therapy, IV nutrition, weight management, and overall wellness. The duo discusses how their clinic is bridging the gap between conventional medicine and preventative care, especially for miners and working professionals in Northern Nevada. From hormone optimization and detox treatments to addressing male and female health in the mining industry, Melissa and Josie are revolutionizing rural medicine with empathy, education, and science-backed solutions. Join Mining Minds [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/contact] as we welcome Elko Replenish Med Spa to the Face!  Episode Sponsors: GBC-NORCAT [https://nevadamst.com/] Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals [https://www.heavymetalequipment.ca/] Motor Mission Machine and Radiator [https://motormission.com/] Episode Chapters: 2:23 South Texas Roots 9:27 Basson to Basketball 37:26 Medical Training Meets Bureaucracy 43:07 Leap of Faith 52:48 The Birth of Elko Replenish Med Spa 1:21:09 Hormones, Bro Science, and Real Health 1:41:31 The Vision

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/], we sit down with Trampus Cook [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trampus-cook-468229153/], Regional Director for RAM Enterprise Inc. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ram-enterprise-inc-/posts/?feedView=all], whose journey through the mining world is as rich and layered as the ore bodies he’s helped uncover. A fourth-generation miner and cowboy at heart, Trampus takes us through his early days jacklegging in narrow veins of California gold mines, running heavy equipment under Lake Erie, and eventually stepping into leadership with RAM. From growing up between the ropes of cowboy life and the rails of underground shafts, to being a single father raising four young kids while chasing production, Trampus shares raw and emotional insights that go far beyond muck and machines. He opens up about defining moments in fatherhood, building trust and culture in the mining community, and how being told “you’re not alone” by a five-year-old became a driving force in his life. Whether you’re a miner, a parent, or someone navigating life’s challenges, Trampus’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in grit, purpose, and personal growth. Join Mining Minds [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/contact] as we Welcome Trampus Cook [https://www.tiktok.com/@trampus.cook] to the Face [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/episodes]! Episode Sponsors: Liebherr Mining [https://www.liebherr.com/en-us/mining-equipment/mining-equipment-4707223] GBC-NORCAT [https://nevadamst.com/] Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals [https://www.heavymetalequipment.ca/] Chapters: 00:00 Truth or Consequences 35:05 Breaking Out in the Muck 38:25 Safety Culture and Bonus Systems in Mining 01:12:46 The Value of Experience in Mining 01:25:19 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Tramp Miner 01:49:03 Balancing Fatherhood and Work in the Mining Industry 01:52:41 Innovations and Challenges in Underground Mining 02:24:36 Safety Lessons 02:25:23 Leadership and Management Insights

In our final episode from the 2025 Women in Mining [https://www.womeninmining.us/] Conference, we’re joined by the passionate, bold, and trailblazing Jessica Scanlan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessjscanlan/]—geological engineer, social media influencer, and founder of Mine Life Media [https://www.minelifemedia.com/]. Jessica shares her unique path from a small-town girl in handmade dresses to becoming a respected voice in the mining industry. We dive into her early aspirations, challenges in mining, the power of mentorship, and how she turned burnout into a bold new business rooted in storytelling and education. From internships at Stillwater Mine [https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/business/americas/pgm-operations-americas/stillwater-east-boulder/] to building a media company that highlights the beauty and grit of mining life, Jessica’s authenticity and drive are contagious. We talk Dwayne the Rock (yes, really), core logging confessions, college mining competitions, mental health, the power of social media, and what the future of mining communication might look like. A massive thank you to the Women in Mining USA [https://www.womeninmining.us/] for inviting us to San Antonio and giving us the platform to highlight such impactful voices. We’ve been truly honored to capture and share these conversations. Brass in [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/contact] and Join Mining Minds [https://www.miningmindsllc.com/] as We Welcome Jessica Scanlan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessjscanlan/] to the Face!  Mine Life Media:  Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/minelifemedia/posts/?feedView=all] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/minelifemediallc/] / TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@minelifemediallc] / Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfhOa10RVnfSXBGvfjiY_tg] / X [https://x.com/MinelifeMt] junojones work boots [https://junojonesshoes.com/] Event Sponsors: Arnold Machinery [https://arnoldmachinery.com/locations/elko-nv/] Gold West Fire and Safety Services [https://www.goldwestfire.com/]   Episode Sponsors: GBC-NORCAT [https://nevadamst.com/] Liebherr Mining [https://www.liebherr.com/en-us/mining-equipment/mining-equipment-4707223] Gold West Fire and Safety Services [https://www.goldwestfire.com/]   Chapters: 00:00 A Mining Dream Starts at Stillwater 11:14 Knowing early she wanted to be a geologist 15:55 Facing Fears to find what you love 29:20 Leveraging Communication Early 46:52 Support in Mining ( 1:15:32 Meeting Dwayne 1:41:03 Future Miner