Brandon Sims
Mining Engineer
A fourth-generation miner from Globe, Arizona, Brandon comes from a family deeply rooted in the mining industry. After graduating in 2020 with a degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona, he began his career in Nevada at a startup mine, working with Redpath for nine months. He then joined the mine operator as a surveyor, where he spent 10 months gaining valuable insight into underground mining operations. From there, he advanced into a short-range planner role before becoming a design and drill-and-blast engineer, positions he held for two years.
Drawn by the opportunity to help shape a new operation from the ground up, he moved back to Arizona to join South32 Hermosa's Mine Planning Team as a Mine Engineer in 2024. With his background in underground mining, he knew this was a unique chance to contribute to a project unlike most in the industry.
“I love underground design and the Hermosa project is a unique opportunity to contribute to a brand-new underground mine.” he says.
His underground mining experience has given him a deep appreciation for the planning and precision behind every stage of development. “A lot of thought goes into the placement and design of all development done underground,” he explains.
On the job, Brandon works with almost everything design-related within the mine planning group. He has contributed to final detailed designs of major infrastructure such as the shaft stations, provided long range designs for ore and critical mine infrastructure, and helped schedule mid-range mining activities for the decline.
Although every day looks different for him, he says one of his favorite things about his job is challenging himself. "I like thinking in 3D and challenging myself to be efficient and safe with my designs."
In his downtime, Brandon enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, family, and his dog Winston.
For someone interested in joining the mining industry, specifically mining engineering, Brandon's advice is to experience surveying. "Surveying really helped me learn how to think spatially and get familiar with the software. It also taught me how to be safe underground and what to look out for."
