From Service to Safety, Building Trust, and Leading Forward

In Episode #224 of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Mary Koerner, Health, Safety & Security Manager at AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada project, to explore what it truly means to build safety and culture from the ground up—at a stage where every decision carries weight.

From growing up in a small Montana town to serving 12 years in the Army Reserves, Mary shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership today. Her path through mining, manufacturing, and other industries has given her a unique perspective—one that blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of people.

She dives into the difference between systems and culture, why health hazards often go unnoticed compared to visible safety risks, and what it takes to earn trust in environments where credibility isn't given—it's built over time. Drawing from her experience across multiple industries, Mary reflects on the challenge of adapting her leadership style and applying best practices in new environments.

To learn more about AngloGold's Nevada Projects and to sign up for their e-newsletter click the link: https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/newsletter/

A special thank you to AngloGold Ashanti for supporting Mining Minds and helping us showcase the incredible people and opportunities that make this industry.

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Walsh Reclamation Inc.

Safety First Training & Consulting

Episode Chapters:

02:06 Growing Up Montana

06:51 Deployment And Coming Home

13:57 College And Newmont Start

17:58 Industrial Hygiene Explained

21:30 AI And Exposure Data

28:41 Beyond Mining New Industries

36:12 Regulators And Standards

42:39 Paper Mill Safety Transfer

47:48 Montana Reset And Youth Work

55:25 Starting A New Mine

58:32 Anglo Safety Culture

01:01:52 Community Safety Outreach