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