OM DENNE EPISODE
Mining Minds heads underground at the University of Arizona's San Xavier Mining Laboratory for Episode #237 with Adam Arbizo, a Marine Corps veteran, second-generation miner, and laboratory coordinator.
Raised in the mining community of Morenci, Arizona, Adam initially tried to build a life outside the industry. His journey took him through wildland firefighting, military service, and his first mining role with Hudbay before leading him to San Xavier, where he now helps students gain real-world experience underground.
Adam joins Mining Minds to discuss the transition from military service into mining, the importance of mentorship, the connection between traditional mining skills and emerging technology, and why the industry's commitment to safety was one of his biggest surprises. He also shares how families shape the next generation's perception of mining and why being willing to ask questions is essential to becoming a safer, stronger miner.
Recorded during the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games in Tucson, Arizona.
Episode Chapters
0:00 Safety Culture and the Underground Opening 2:05 Growing Up in Morenci 5:28 Wildland Firefighting and Rodeo Roots 8:15 Marine Corps Service and Discipline 11:35 Transitioning from the Military into Mining 17:40 Adam's First Mining Role with Hudbay 20:10 Mentorship and Building the San Xavier Mining Lab 23:00 Old-School Mining Meets New Technology 26:05 Leadership, Family, and Careers in Mining 33:00 Safety, Asking Questions, and Adam's Future
Episode #237 is proudly supported by Motor Mission Machine & Radiator and Safety First Training and Consulting.
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