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Brandon Lee Hives, Chief Executive Officer on Notable Men

FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE

Brandon Lee Hives

Chief Executive Officer, Evolutionary Mining LLC

“Don't be afraid to ask questions; slow is safe, safe is efficient; don't forget to pray.”

BASED IN
Morgantown, WV 26505
INDUSTRY
Coal Mining

About

Brandon Lee Hives is a coal mining professional, inventor, entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Evolutionary Mining LLC in Morgantown, West Virginia. With more than 15 years of experience in the coal industry, Hives has worked underground as a continuous miner operator and roof bolter, gaining firsthand knowledge of the demanding conditions miners face every day. His experiences with dust, methane, ventilation challenges, and the long-term health risks associated with mining ultimately inspired him to pursue innovative solutions designed to make underground operations safer and more efficient.
Drawing on his experience in the mines, Hives developed the Hivenator 1247, an advanced continuous mining system incorporating air purification and safety technologies. The system is designed to address hazardous conditions at the source, including methane and respirable dust, while improving airflow management and operational efficiency. Hives began researching the concept in 2018 and later accelerated development, working with organizations including West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) on prototyping, research, and case studies. His work reflects his belief that meaningful mining innovation should come from understanding the challenges miners experience firsthand.
Hives' motivation extends beyond technology and business to his family and his desire to improve the future of the mining workforce. A father of five, he views his faith, family, and servant leadership as central to his life and professional philosophy. He encourages young workers to ask questions, prioritize safety, and continually seek opportunities to learn and grow. Through Evolutionary Mining, Hives hopes to help protect miners' health, strengthen the industry's future, and create greater opportunities and generational benefits for mining families while advancing a safer and more sustainable approach to underground mining.

Key Areas Of Focus

  • 01. Negotiation
  • 02. Networking
  • 03. New Business Development
  • 04. Customer Relationship Management
  • 05. Public Relations
  • 06. Public Speaking
  • 07. Sales
  • 08. Coaching
  • 09. Customer Service

IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Q and A

  1. 01

    What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

    Don't be afraid to ask questions; slow is safe, safe is efficient; don't forget to pray.

  2. 02

    What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

    Don't be afraid to ask questions; slow is safe, safe is efficient; don't forget to pray, give your life to Christ.

  3. 03

    What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

    Challenges: Illnesses associated with coal mining, lack of manpower due to associated illnesses. Opportunities: Currently developing an air purification device to reduce/eliminate methane gas and particulates from the underground air; device/technology can also be used in other industries where air quality is critical for workers; byproducts of said device can be forwarded to other industries for clean use and repurpose.

  4. 04

    What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

    The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are God first, followed by family, serving others, treating people with respect, and leading with a servant-leadership mindset.

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