Paul Jones first realized his love for geology after mistaking chalcopyrite for gold on a camping trip as a child in Oklahoma. His interest in rocks took him to the University of Minnesota, where he began as a geology major, switching to a mining degree soon after, as he believed it would lead to better work. Since then, Jones has built a career on following new opportunities, always taking chances on the next best thing for himself and his family. His introduction to professional mining began after a relocation with his wife and infant son to Guyana, where he began working as a junior engineer. From then, his career developed into something he never dreamed it would, giving him chances to lead, advise, run, and represent numerous mines around the world and serve on a variety of professional society boards. He has held positions with Reynolds Metals Company, Eagle-Picher, and numerous other utilities and energy companies, and he was the director and senior executive for several mineral exploration and production firms in both North and South America, as well as in Africa. He also served as Chairman of the CMA Summitville Task Force, playing a key role in the negotiations that took place after the Summitville mine disaster. Today, Jones is recognized throughout industry for his impressive work in public relations, legislation, consultation, and political matters. He has been an active, decades-long member of AIME, SME, and CMA. The greatest lesson that he has learned throughout his career is how to deal with people because, after all, the mining industry is about experience, relationships, and great connections. Learn more about Paul Jones’ adventures in industry and advice for young professionals in his oral history.