Lindsey Harris
Lindsey Harris is an accomplished executive leader in the mining sector with over 16 years of experience spanning exploration geology, federal land management, and industry operations. She has a strong background in mineral exploration, regulatory compliance, and environmental permitting, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex technical, political, and public landscapes. Lindsey’s expertise includes workforce development, legislative advocacy, and building robust stakeholder relationships, making her a key driver of energy and sustainability initiatives within the mining and metals industry.
Throughout her career, Lindsey has held a series of progressively responsible roles, beginning as an exploration geologist and moving into government service with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). At BLM, she excelled as a training coordinator for the Certified Mineral Examiner program before advancing to upper management roles, including Acting Deputy Assistant Director for Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management. In this capacity, she oversaw a wide array of projects on federal lands, from mining and oil and gas operations to renewable energy and infrastructure projects, and authored regulations now codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. She also contributed to establishing the Department of Interior’s Renewable Energy Office in Washington, D.C.
Currently, Lindsey serves as Environmental Permitting Manager for Lion Copper Gold in Nevada, where she coordinates contractors and manages permitting efforts for a brownfield mine project. Her professional philosophy emphasizes grit, resilience, and the ability to translate between technical, regulatory, political, and public perspectives to keep complex projects moving efficiently. Active in industry organizations such as the Women’s Mining Coalition and the American Exploration and Mining Association, Lindsey continues to leverage her leadership and expertise to advance sustainable mining practices while mentoring the next generation of mining professionals.
• MSHA Training
• Mineral Mine Inspector
• Honored Listee
• Hydrology and Water Resources Science Certificate
• Certified Mineral Examiner Candidate
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology - B.S.
• American Exploration and Mining Association
• Women in Mining
• Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
• Women's Mining Coalition (WNC)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit, determination, and self-reliance. Growing up with limited resources taught me to take initiative and make things happen on my own, and I’ve carried that mindset into my career, approaching challenges with persistence, a sense of humor, and a “watch me” attitude that turns doubt into drive.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to learn from others but ultimately trust yourself. Early in my career, mentors like Rick Deary taught me the power of networking, while Mitch Leverett, the Eastern State Director for BLM, showed me how to navigate leadership in a complex environment. I initially modeled my approach on their examples, but over time I realized the key was to adapt those lessons to my own style and instincts—learning from others is valuable, but authentic leadership comes from trusting yourself.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: own your space and don’t apologize for being there. Observe colleagues who command respect and learn from how they carry themselves—speak confidently, be definitive, and don’t undercut your authority with qualifiers like “I think” or “I feel.” Sometimes, being underestimated can be an advantage—I’ve learned to use it to my benefit, whether it’s surprising people in meetings or navigating initial biases. Trust yourself, show up fully, and let your work and presence speak for itself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include public misconceptions about mining, navigating environmental concerns while meeting resource demands, and addressing the gender imbalance in a traditionally male-dominated industry. At the same time, there are significant opportunities: the growing demand for domestic, responsibly sourced materials, mining’s critical role in renewable energy and infrastructure, and the chance to modernize the industry while improving public understanding. The real opportunity, I believe, lies in demonstrating that mining is essential—and that it can be done responsibly and sustainably.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important in both my work and personal life are accountability, consistency, integrity, and humility. I believe leadership is about responsibility rather than ego—taking ownership, supporting your team, and holding people to high standards while treating them fairly. I’m also deeply passionate about the mining industry and its impact on everyday life, and I prioritize mentorship and workforce development to empower the next generation, especially women, entering the field.
Locations
Lion CG
Carson City, NV 89705