Hector Denogean, a third-generation miner, travels all the way from Arizona to join Mining Minds in studio to share his journey in the mining industry. Hector takes us back to his first job, fresh out of school, where he learned the ropes of working with people—managing personalities, building bonds, and understanding the importance of teamwork in the mine. He sought to earn the respect of his peers, prove his worth, and overcome the challenges of the job.

We discuss the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped his career. Hector recalls the gut-wrenching moment when he was pulled out of the mine mid-shift because the company was closing its doors. He reflects on overcoming the challenges of sinking shafts in the hot, wet mines of Arizona, where both brute strength and engineering were required to complete the task.

He also shares the darkest part of his journey—the loss of co-workers. In this candid conversation, Hector reveals how that tragedy became a turning point in his career, inspiring him to partner with management to foster a culture of safety. He emphasizes the importance of humility, the value of listening to experienced miners, and the power of working together. Hector believes mining is, at its core, a people industry—where the miners, not just the ore, define the company.

This episode is a raw and inspiring tribute to the resilience of miners, the deep connections forged underground, and the human side of an industry often known for its tough exterior. Tune in after the podcast to hear one of Hectors own songs--Miners Nightmare! Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Hector Denogean to the Face!

Liebherr Mining

FAST2 Mine

Mining Minds DiSC

Get ready for a special episode of Mining Minds as we hit the greens at the White Pine County Golf Course for the Eastern Nevada SME’s annual scholarship fundraiser! This event is all about bringing the community and region together to support the future of mining. We had the unique privilege of sitting down with some bright young minds to discuss how the mining industry can improve and what steps we need to take to prepare the next generation of miners. @Tayorbrunson, @Tanner Brunson, @Kason Ernest

We also caught up with Nick Tallerico, the talented artist who kept the event buzzing! From his first performance in a small-town bar at a young age to handling those tricky song requests, Nick’s music journey is one you don’t want to miss. His album is set to drop soon, and he’ll be joining us in the studio to dive deeper into his musical and mining journey. In the meantime, check him out at @hollowwoodsounds.

Mining Minds is proud to be part of this incredible event and to support the positive impact the Eastern Nevada SME is making on future miners. Join the conversation!

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

FAST2 Mine

Ill Zakiel - 775

Mining Minds dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the mining industry, led by the visionary CTO and Co-founder of Razor Labs, Michael Zolotov. From his roots in Ukraine to his successful immigration to Israel, Michael shares his unique journey—growing up in a family of doctors, leveraging his military background, and ultimately pioneering cutting-edge AI technology in the mining sector.

Michael discusses the revolutionary impact of Razor Labs’ AI-driven fusion technology, explaining how it’s poised to change the face of mining operations. We explore how this technology is enhancing operational efficiencies, prolonging component life cycles, reducing maintenance costs, and significantly improving safety by enabling more planned work.

But with any new technology comes the challenge of trust. Michael sheds light on how Razor Labs has tackled this challenge head-on, building strong relationships with mining operations around the world and proving the reliability and value of their solutions. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Michael Zolotov to the Face!

Meet Razor Labs in Las Vegas at the Mine Expo

Liebherr Mining

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

FAST2 Mine

Ill Zakiel – Feeling Good