In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Tom Mann, a proud multi-generational miner whose journey began in Idaho and carried him to the pits of Nevada. From running haul trucks, dozers, and blades to earning his seat as a shovel operator, Tom shares stories of adapting to big iron, building crews, and navigating the challenges of man camp life while raising a young family.
Tom opens up about the sacrifices miners make—long stretches away from family, tough schedules, and the constant push for production—while also highlighting the rewards of brotherhood, good pay, and the pride of moving mountains. He reflects on lessons learned from mentors, the importance of safe operations, and how mine rescue and EMT training shaped his role beyond mining dirt.
Blending humor, grit, and honesty, Tom talks about the culture of competition between crews, the satisfaction of working with skilled truck drivers and dozer hands, and the responsibility of keeping his crew safe every shift. Whether you're an operator, a family member, or just curious about the mining lifestyle, Tom's story captures the resilience, camaraderie, and heart that define miners everywhere.
Brass in at miningmindsllc.com
Chapters:
0:00 Family Roots in Mining
2:10 Early Days on Equipment
9:15 Camp Life & Family Sacrifices
12:58 Mentorship & Lessons Learned
16:42 Safety, Brotherhood & Crew Competition
21:33 Mine Rescue & EMT Training
26:18 Truck Drivers, Dozer Hands & Big Iron
30:42 Pay, Hours & Life in the Pit
36:20 Pride in Mining & Community
