The adapter suggested by ProustGiulo is intended to provide a USB Type-A for your USB-C equipped iPad mini. This arrangement is of no use whatsoever in attempting to connect your iPad to the PC - as you will be attempting to connect USB Type-A (your iPad with suggested adapter) to another USB Type-A (your PC). This connection arrangement is disallowed in the USB standard; you cannot directly interconnect two USB Controller/Root hubs.
USB Type-A connections must always connect to a USB Type-B - or with an appropriate cable, to USB-C.
You were already on the right track in looking for a USB3 Type-A to USB-C cable. A good quality cable, such as those marketed by Apple, should perform the task without issue:
- mophie USB-A Cable with USB-C Connector (1 m)
https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/HN892ZM/A
If your iPad is not recognised by your PC when connected, try using a different USB port on your computer. These support pages will help with troubleshooting:
If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support
If your Windows PC doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support