What does it mean to truly think like a miner?

In this episode of Mining Minds, we head underground to the University of Arizona's renowned San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory for our first-ever underground podcast recording. Joining us is Scott Shields, General Manager of Sales for Komatsu Southwest, Strategic Advisor to the San Xavier Laboratory, and a fifth-generation Arizona miner whose career has taken him from the copper mines of Morenci to more than 150 mining operations across 24 countries.

Scott shares an incredible journey built on hard work, mentorship, humility, and a passion for developing the next generation of miners. From growing up in a family with deep mining roots to helping shape university programs, leading global mining initiatives, transforming supply chain operations, and returning to Komatsu, Scott offers valuable leadership lessons that apply far beyond mining.

Whether you're a student entering the industry, a seasoned miner, or someone passionate about leadership, this conversation is packed with stories, wisdom, and reminders that mining has always been—and always will be—about people.

Chapters:

02:00 – Recording Underground at the San Xavier Laboratory

06:00 – The Collegiate Mining Games & Future Mining Leaders

12:00 – Five Generations of Mining Heritage

19:00 – From Accounting to Mining Engineering

27:00 – Returning to University & Building a Legacy

38:00 – Leadership, Culture & Mentorship

42:00 – Global Mining, Komatsu & Lessons from Around the World

56:00 – Transforming Supply Chain at Nevada Gold Mines

01:05:00 – Preserving Mining Traditions Through the Collegiate Mining Games

01:14:00 – Returning Home, Family & Komatsu

01:19:00 – Building Memories, Family First & Final Reflections