#236- A New Chapter- South Railroad

The South Railroad Project is entering a new chapter as Orla Mining becomes part of Equinox Gold. In this Mining Minds panel discussion, hosts we talk with the leaders responsible for carrying the project, its people, and its community relationships forward. General Manager Don Dwyer, Community Relations Manager Jaymie Donovan, Mine Manager Steve Hough, HR Manager Lori Clarke, and Project Manager Brad Manning explain what the transition means at the site level. They discuss the added strength and operational depth of Equinox Gold, while emphasizing that the Nevada team and its commitment to advancing South Railroad safely and responsibly remain in place. The panel explores workforce recruitment, leadership development, local hiring, culture, safety, environmental stewardship, community engagement, volunteerism, operational readiness, and the rare opportunity to help build a mine from the ground up. The conversation also looks at how early planning can create clear career paths and a workplace where technical excellence, character, collaboration, and accountability grow together. This episode is a practical look at what changes during an ownership transition, what should remain consistent, and how a team prepares for the next phase of a major Nevada mining project. Hosted by Mining Minds - The Voice Inside the Industry.   Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open, Welcome and Meet the Panel Derek Grover and Dino Brunson introduce Episode #236 from the Equinox Gold office in Elko and meet the South Railroad leadership team. 07:00 – A New Chapter: Orla Mining and Equinox Gold Don Dwyer explains the combination of the two companies and how Equinox Gold brings added stability, experience and resources to South Railroad. 17:00 – Operational Strength and Clear Communication The panel discusses the additional operational depth available through Equinox Gold and how the team is communicating the transition to employees, applicants and external stakeholders. 25:00 – Contractors, Business Partners and Continuity The team addresses contract transitions, supplier uncertainty and the importance of selecting partners who align with the project's culture, safety expectations and community commitments. 29:00 – Operational Readiness, Safety and Stewardship Steve Hough explains equipment planning, operational readiness and the work underway to support permits, wildlife, water management and a smooth transition from construction into operations. 33:00 – Long-Term Growth, Jobs and Training The conversation explores South Railroad's exploration potential, future employment, local workforce development and partnerships with Great Basin College and NORCAT. 39:00 – Expectations for Contractors and New Employees The panel outlines what will be expected from the hundreds of contractors and employees joining the project, including accountability, collaboration, stop-work responsibility and respect for commitments. 45:00 – Mining Education and Community Trust Jaymie Donovan discusses engaging schools, introducing younger generations to modern mining and consistently showing up to build meaningful community relationships. 50:00 – Protecting Culture Through Rapid Growth The team explains its approach to onboarding, collaboration, coaching and leadership development as South Railroad grows from a small group into a workforce of approximately 275 employees. 1:02:00 – Volunteerism, Ownership and Building a Legacy The final conversation covers employee volunteerism, community mine tours, career pathways and the rare opportunity to build a greenfield mine that employees can proudly call their own.