As a consumer-driven society, we really ought to have more focus on mining. What's the connection, you ask? All the things we rely upon in our modern, day-to-day living are made possible by mining; the computer you're logged onto right now, your phone, the light bulb above you, all of it. Yet, as a society, we're not entirely comfortable with mining in the United States. Regulations are tight enough here, that many exploration companies pursue opportunities overseas.

Kyle Rhoderick is the CEO of First Drilling, a drilling services company supporting mining and exploration industries. While they touch on exploration for coal and other commodities, their primary industry is metal. First Drilling is based in Montrose, Colorado, with locations in Elko, Nevada, as well as Perth and Kagoli in Western Australia.

In this week's program, Kyle talks to us about the regulations on mining here, which all but force companies and investors to look for international opportunities. We discuss what needs to change in the United States for mining to flourish and create jobs, as well as the state-side opposition to mining locally.

"While we consume like no other place on earth, we have this aversion to the extractive industry. We don't seem to want to look the reality in the face, that hey, that stuff came from a hole in the ground somewhere, it that has to be mined, but 'I don't want that to happen here', but 'I surely want all the things that come from those mine operations.'"

Listen in to hear about the great opportunities for employment in mining, why you should have a passport if you want work, and how to get younger generations interested in geology and mining as a career.

Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Podcast links will be available the Monday after our air date. Check back for updates if you missed the broadcast.