What type of Miner are you and how long have you been mining?
Underground/Surface MNM, 10 Years.
Where are you currently mining?
Gold Exploration – Dakota Gold Corp – Lead, SD
What do you love most about your career?
The mining industry, however large it may be, is a small community of close friends and colleagues who strive for the same thing: building the industry in a safe manner. Everyone knows everyone eventually!
If there was one thing you could change about the mining industry, what would it be?
The external perception of the mining industry is skewed to pre-1970 practices. Mining operations do care about the environment, the health and safety of the miners, and the wellbeing of employees. Many activist groups and surrounding communities choose to stray from factual evidence to draw damaging conclusions about the way mining is done. Beyond the minimum requirements set out by municipal, state, and federal governments, mining companies want to do the right thing when it comes to the health and safety of the miners and the environment.
What advice would you give a miner just starting out?
Ask as many questions as you can. “What heading are you going to? Can you show me how to do that? Why is it done that way?” So long as the one being asked the questions cares (this is typically the case), they will be more than happy to explain and show you. Often, more experienced miners may become complacent. Asking questions can break that habit and provide insight into what they may not see.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I spend a good majority of my time with my growing family. We will have our second child within a month! Otherwise, I am a structure/wildland firefighter for the Spearfish Fire Department, I fly planes around the Black Hills when it’s nice, and I (as well as my family) get involved with as many community events as possible to help where needed.
What is one fun fact about you?
I work with my brother at Dakota Gold. He doesn’t know this, but I love working alongside him. It’s a true type of brotherhood most siblings never get to experience.
