A Career That's Paid Off, For Family & Future

Luke, UGM Mobile Maintenance Mechanic, Pogo Mine

Luke has been part of the mining world for more than 30 years, but it was at Pogo Mine that he says he truly found his place. Luke first started in the industry in the early ’90s and was at a mine that shut down just as exploration was beginning at Pogo. Over the next decade, he worked across the country as a Contractor, taking jobs in Nevada, Ohio, and Louisiana.

In 2006, he received a call from Pogo. What began as a short-term opportunity quickly turned into something far more meaningful. Around that time, Luke’s family faced unexpected medical expenses, and the benefits and insurance offered at Pogo provided crucial support when it was most needed. This family-oriented support helped Luke see the value of stability, turning what was initially a short-term decision into a long-term career.

“Honestly, I thought I’d be here for a couple of months,” he recalls. “But it quickly became clear that this was a really good place to work. The benefits are great, the people are great, and the culture respects both your work and your family.”

A Job That Keeps Him Sharp and Happy

Every day at Pogo is different. Luke’s role requires constant problem-solving, whether it’s repairing equipment or troubleshooting systems. “The equipment is complex and keeps my brain working,” he says. “When I fix something, it makes me happy, and it makes others happy, too. That’s the best part of the job.”

Safety is at the heart of everything Luke does. “If I didn’t use safety every day, I wouldn’t be alive,” he says. “It’s something you have to respect and never overlook. And honestly, mining is safer than most people think, it has procedures in place to keep everyone protected.”

More Than Colleagues - A Family

What keeps Luke at Pogo isn’t just the work itself; it’s the people. “Everyone here is like family,” he explains. “You aren’t in competition with one another, you’re a team. You treat people with respect, and they treat you the same. I know more about the people I work with than I do about my neighbors.” That sense of community, combined with a role that supports both Luke and his family, has made Pogo Mine more than just a job.

Luke is proud to provide for his family, travel when he wants, and enjoy the stability that comes from a company that values its employees and their loved ones. Looking ahead, he’s excited to retire in three years, but in the meantime, he’s grateful to be doing work that matters and to be part of a team that feels like home.

Advice for New Miners

“Do your job well and respect what you’re doing,” he says. “Listen and learn from those who have been here longer, they have a lot to teach you, and what they share could literally save your life.”