In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Tim Chapman, a Georgia native whose journey took him from football fields and construction sites in the South to the gold mines of Northern Nevada. Tim shares how an accident shifted his path from athletics to heavy equipment, his first days operating haul trucks in a Nevada snowstorm, and the values that have carried him through a diverse mining career.
From running dozers and mentoring new operators to becoming a safety and health professional and mine rescue coordinator, Tim opens up about the lessons he's learned in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. He talks about the cultural differences between southern and western mining, the brotherhood of operations crews, and how mine rescue shaped his purpose as a mentor and problem solver.
Off the clock, Tim reflects on separating work from home, raising his family in Nevada, coaching youth football, and keeping faith and humility at the center of his life. With a mix of humor, southern charm, and honest reflection, this episode showcases the heart of a miner who's as committed to his crew as he is to his family.
Brass in at miningmindsllc.com
Chapters:
2:08 From Georgia to Mining
4:57 Family Sacrifices & Moving
8:39 Mentorship & Early Mining
20:13 Mine Rescue & New Roles
27:36 Philosophy on Growth & Hardheadedness
33:26 A Lifelong Desire to Help
37:02 Career Growth & Looking Forward
42:41 Work–Life Balance & Family
48:01 Advice on Chasing the Dollar
52:08 Happiness & Choosing Mining
