#203- Mine safety & Health Conference: Don Neff
Join Mining Minds from the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference as we sit down with Don Neff, Security Manager and longtime Nevadan. Don shares his journey from growing up in Elko County to serving in the Air Force's photo-recon field, working as a Nevada Highway Patrol officer, and ultimately finding his place in mining safety.
Drawing on decades of experience, Don talks about reading people, leading through influence, and navigating the impact of emerging technology, autonomy, and AI on mine safety. He breaks down the importance of true partnerships—especially in contractor management—and the need for meaningful engagement, strong systems, and asking the right "what if" questions. Please help us welcome Don Neff to the Face!
Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for providing us the opportunity to participate in this event.
Event Sponsor:
Safety First Training and Consulting
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
Chapters:
00:45 Growing Up Nevada
01:40 High School, Sports, and Early Ambitions
02:30 Joining the Air Force & Seeing the World
05:45 Culture Shock Abroad
07:40 Returning Home & Working for Nevada Highway Patrol
09:00 Policing During Nevada's Mining Boom
12:30 From Law Enforcement to Mining Safety
14:45 Technology, Autonomy & Safety Skepticism
18:40 Regulation Gaps & Challenges with MSHA
25:00 Leading Indicators, Engagement & Safety Culture
31:00 Contractor Management & True Partnerships
35:45 Moving Into Security
39:30 Mentorship, Leadership & Final Thoughts
