Overlooking iconic Hibbing Taconite Mining Operation in Minnesota, Mining Minds had the opportunity to speak with two remarkable women whose stories capture the history and heart of mining in the state.

First, we’re joined by Talia Sandys, Communications and Engagement Director for Mining Minnesota, who has been our guide through the region’s rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the incredible 30+ year career of Darleen Gargano, a retired miner who began her journey in 1976 when opportunities for women in the pit were almost unheard of. From her first day pulling cable and driving haul trucks to operating graders in subzero blizzards, Darleen shares candid stories about resilience, camaraderie, and the changing face of the industry.

Along the way, we explore Hibbing’s fascinating history—including the relocation of an entire town for mining, the legendary Hibbing High School, and life growing up in a tight-knit rural community. With humor, honesty, and a lifetime of lessons, Darleen reflects on what it took to thrive in a male-dominated industry and why she wouldn’t trade her experiences for anything.

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Episode Chapters:

1:21 Growing Up in Hibbing, MN

9:32 First Jobs & Path to Mining

12:02 First Day in the Pit

16:59 Night Shifts & Northern Lights

22:37 Haul Trucks, Equipment Training & Early MSHA

26:21 Grader in the Ditch & Earning Respect

37:31 Paving a New Way

44:00 The Labor Bus

56:34 Advocacy, Education, Collaboration from Mining Minnesota

Get ready for one of our most unforgettable episodes yet—recorded on a pontoon boat floating on Fall Lake, at the edge of the iconic Boundary Waters in Minnesota! This isn’t just another podcast; it’s a full-circle conversation with Dean DeBeltz, a third-generation Iron Ranger, passionate outdoorsman, and Vice President of External Relations & Project Operations at Twin Metals Minnesota.

From running towboats at 12 years old to shaping the mining culture of a next-generation copper-nickel project, Dean’s story is a tribute to the grit, heart, and pride that defines the Minnesota mining country. He dives deep into the sacrifices, the career pivots, and the love for land and legacy that have guided his path—and how responsible mining can help secure the future of entire communities. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Dean DeBeltz to the Face!

Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Gold West Fire

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Episode Chapter:

0:00 Welcome Aboard the Pontoon Podcast

4:16 From frozen rinks to deer stands

6:03 Biochemistry to Building Homes

11:49 Mining Comes Calling

14:58 The Culture of Mining: Support, Camaraderie, and Growth

18:29 Safety is About People, Not Policing

22:48 Understanding the Boundary Waters

27:01 The metals we’ll mine, are the metals you’ll use

39:49 Diversity in mining

46:29 Regulations that haven’t been tested

52:33 Continuing the passion with a purpose

In this special on-location episode, Mining Minds travels to the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range to sit down with Rory Oberhelman, Senior Project Coordinator, and Johnny Eloranta, Community Relations Advisor at New Range Copper Nickel. 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 and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible.

Episode Sponsors:

Liebherr Mining

RAM Enterprise Inc.

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

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?