So far in our “Meet Your Miners” series, we have introduced you to first-time miners, mining sisters and multi-generational mining families. But one thing many in our community have in common is that they’ve come from far reaches of the country, having travelled many miles to find themselves working in Nevada. However, today you will meet mining-country native Amanda Steensen of Barrick Gold Corporation, nine-year veteran of the industry, born in Elko, Nevada.

“I was born and raised in Elko, as were my parents,” said Steensen. “My dad worked at the Jerritt Canyon mine for nearly 26 years, so mining has played a huge part in giving me the resources I’ve needed for my entire life, from spirit pack money in high school to scholarship money for college.”

Putting that scholarship money to good use, earning her bachelor’s degree in biology, Steensen followed in the footsteps of her father, participating in three years of summer student programs at Jerritt Canyon Mine. She spent two summers on crew in mill operations and worked her final summer in the environmental department, doing field sampling activities.

“I got to be outside for the entire summer; sampling, hiking, four-wheeling. It was kind of the dream,” Steensen recalled. “I realized during this

time that the environmental realm has so many facets to learn and that I really liked mining. I wanted to be a part of the industry.”

Following  three years spent at Jerritt Canyon Mine, Steensen joined Barrick Gold Corporation’s Bald Mountain Mine in 2008 . She is now the Environmental Superintendent at theoperation, where her duties include oversight of compliance programs, completion of federal permitting activities, coordination with external stakeholders and general administrative activities, such as budgeting and personnel development, which Steensen says, “makes it sound so simple, but it’s a huge challenge that I enjoy every day.”

Facing important decisions on a daily basis, Steensen meets the challenge of making what she deems, “the right call,” as far as sound compliance and business decisions, but this is a large part of what motivates her team, ensuring they are continuously learning.

“Every day, I try to come in with a good attitude and a generally positive outlook. I’m a huge collaborator, so I encourage open feedback and idea generation as much as possible and hope that people appreciate the same from me.”

Collaborative outside of work as well, Steensen enjoys helping her sister, the varsity volleyball coach at Elko, prepare the team. She admits, though, that this isn’t entirely altruistic.

“I have a three and a half-year-old daughter who keeps me busy! I always said that volleyball was my life’s passion, but that was before I had her!”

Steensen credits her career in mining for the opportunities she has been given, the life she has been able to build, and the time she has been able to spend with family, including taking the camper out and spending time with her husband “wherever there’s water.”