Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro offers news and information from the world of geology and mining, providing a new perspective on the mining industry and educating on best practices. The podcast is produced by Snowden Optiro, a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting, and training to mining and exploration companies. Episodes cover topics such as mineral resources, ore reserves, and project development, aiming to help mine developers advance their projects and investors derisk their investments.
Episodes
EP 174 | Platinum: Is It Worth Its Weight in Gold?
Platinum is one of the world's rarest and most geographically concentrated metals, with applications spanning the automotive, industrial, jewellery and emerging hydrogen sectors. But what does its evolving supply and demand outlook mean for the mining industry? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senzeni Mandava Matondi and Julian Aldridge explore platinum's geology, market dynami
EP 173 | The Theory of Sampling: Why Every Mining Decision Begins with a Representative Sample
Was the sample representative? Every geological model, resource estimate, grade control decision and reconciliation result ultimately depends on the quality of the samples behind it. In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Melanie Bulley is joined by Senzeni Mandava Matondi to explore the Theory of Sampling and why representative sampling is fundamental to reliable decision-making thr
EP 172 | Tailings Are Not Just Relocated Ore: The Nuances of Tailings Mineral Resource Estimates
Tailings Mineral Resource Estimates can appear straightforward. The material has already been mined, crushed, processed and deposited in one location — but tailings facilities present their own unique set of technical challenges. In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , Senzeni Mandava and Melanie Bulley explore the nuances of estimating Mineral Resources within tailings facilities.
EP 171 | Part 2 of 2: Managing Uncertainty - How Better Grade Control Leads to Better Decisions
In Part 2 of our Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro two-part series, host Melanie Bully is joined by Senzeni Matondi to continue the discussion on why the most expensive mistake in grade control isn't necessarily mining low-grade material — it's making the wrong decision about whether material is ore or waste. Following on from Part 1, this episode explores how mining operations can make better gra
EP 175 | Why Resource & Reserve Reconciliation Matters
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant at Datamine and Product Owner of Reconcilor, talks with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro, about the importance of reconciling mineral resources and reserves across the mine value chain. Resource and reserve reconciliation is often given less attention than the production stages of the m
EP 170 | Part 1 of 2: Why the Most Expensive Mistake in Grade Control Isn't Low Grade
What if the most expensive mistake in grade control isn't mining low-grade material — but making the wrong decision about what is ore and what is waste? In this two-part episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senzeni Matondi, Principal Consultant, joins Melanie Bully, Senior Consultant, to explore why grade control is fundamentally a decision-making discipline, not simply a grade estimation
EP 169 | Why Good Estimates Can Still Produce Poor Reconciliation
If your resource model is statistically robust, why doesn't it always reconcile with production? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Melanie Bulley and Senzeni Mandava Matondi explore why good resource estimates can still lead to disappointing reconciliation results. They discuss the impact of grade smoothing, explain the concept of conditional bias, and explore why reproducing th
EP 168 | When Geology Isn't Enough - Using Categorical Indicator Kriging to Model Diffuse Mineralisation
How do you model mineralisation when geological boundaries aren't clearly defined? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , Senior Consultant, Melanie Bulley is joined by Principal Consultant, Senzeni Matondi to explore how Categorical Indicator Kriging (CIK) can be used to model diffuse mineralisation more objectively and consistently. The discussion covers: Why traditional wirefr
EP 166 | What Consultants See That Mine Sites Miss: Lessons in Mine-to-Mill Reconciliation
What do consultants see that mine sites often miss? In this episode of Fresh Thinking bySnowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves is joined by Ian Glacken to discuss the most common mine-to-mill reconciliation challenges, from stockpile management and siloed teams to understanding variance and improving decision-making. Learn why reconciliation is more than a monthly report—it's a powerful tool for impro
EP 164 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: Which Commodities Matter Most?
Which commodities matter most in the global race for critical and strategic minerals? In this episode of @SnowdenOptiro Fresh Thinking podcast, Senzeni Mandava Matondi is joined by Julian Aldridge and Laurie Hassall to explore the commodities that consistently appear on critical minerals lists around the world and the factors driving their importance. The discussion examines key battery minerals
EP 163 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: What's the Difference?
What makes a mineral critical? What makes it strategic? And why are governments around the world racing to secure supplies of certain commodities? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro , Senzeni Mandava Matondi, Julian Aldridge, and Laurie Hassell explore the growing importance of critical and strategic minerals in today's economy. From copper, lithium and rare earth elements to gall
EP 162 | AI in Mining: Tool or Threat to Geologists?
Will AI replace geologists? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , we explore how artificial intelligence is being used across the mining industry, from exploration targeting and core logging to resource estimation and technical reporting. Our team discusses the opportunities AI presents, its current limitations, and why geological expertise, judgement and accountability remain cri
EP 161 | Private vs Public Mining Companies: CRIRSCO Compliance Explained
What are the key differences between private mining companies and publicly listed mining companies when it comes to project development, risk, and reporting? In this episode of @SnowdenOptiro 's Fresh Thinking podcast, Senior Consultant, Laurie Hassall speaks with Managing Consultant, Julian Aldridge, about how private companies approach mining project economics compared with companies reporting
EP 157 | Part 4 of 7: Localised Conditional Simulation
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken and Susan Havlin explore localised conditional simulation (LCS) and its role in modern resource estimation workflows. Building on earlier discussions around estimation methods, recoverable resources, and conditional simulation, this episode brings everything together to explain how LCS converts multiple simulation realisations into a
EP 156 | Part 3 of 7: Conditional Simulation
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro, Susan Havlin and Ian Glacken explore the fundamentals of conditional simulation and its role in modelling grade variability and uncertainty in mineral resource estimation. They discuss how simulation differs from traditional methods like kriging and uniform conditioning, why capturing uncertainty is critical for modern mining decisions, and ho
EP 159 | Part 6 of 7: How Simulation Influences Mine Planning Decisions
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro, Susan Havlin speaks with Tarrant Elkington about the mine planning implications of simulation. The conversation explores: Why resource models are fundamental to mine planning and project evaluation The impact of grade variability and smoothing on mine planning outcomes How LCS compares with conventional estimation methods such as Ordinary Krigi
EP 158 | Part 5 of 7: Understanding Uncertainty in Mineral Resource Estimation
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro, Susan Havlin and Ian Glacken discuss uncertainty in mineral resource estimation and how Localised Conditional Simulation (LCS) provides a more practical framework for analysing geological risk and variability. The conversation explores: Conditional simulation and uncertainty Resource classification Simulation versus kriging Risk-qualified min
EP 167 | Behind the Paper: Enhancing Underground Mine Reconciliation
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken and Rayleen Hargreaves discuss their conference paper, "Enhancing Underground Mine Reconciliation: A Unified F and R Series Framework," co-authored with Tarrant Elkington and Arja Jewbali and presented at the AusIMM International Mining Geology Conference 2026 in Brisbane in April. The conversation explores the challenges of applying
EP 160 | Part 7 of 7: Case Study - Applying Localised Conditional Simulation at Bullabulling
In the final episode of our 7-part series on recoverable resources and localised conditional simulation (LCS), Susan Havlin from @SnowdenOptiro is joined by Bruce Kendall, Technical Advisor at Minerals 260, to discuss the application of LCS at the Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia. The episode explores: Why Minerals 260 moved beyond traditional ordinary kriging methods How LCS was
EP 165 | Where Geology Meets Engineering: The Role of Geotechnical Core Logging
In this episode of Snowden Optiro's Fresh Thinking Podcast, Hamish Guthrie speaks with Principal Geotechnical Engineer Ezilma Dias about the role of geotechnical core logging in mine design, ground stability and risk management. Learn why quality core logging is fundamental to understanding rock mass behaviour and making informed engineering decisions in both open pit and underground mining operat
EP 155 | Part 2 of 7: Recoverable Resource Methods
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , we explore recoverable resource methods and how they help bridge the gap between resource models and what is actually mined. We discuss key approaches used across the industry, including Uniform Conditioning (UC) and Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK), outlining how they address grade smoothing and improve predictions at the mining scale. We also
EP 154 | Part 1 of 7: Foundations of Modern Resource Estimation
Episode 154 of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro kicks off a 7-part series on modern resource estimation. In this episode, we cover the fundamentals of ordinary kriging, its strengths and limitations, and introduce key concepts like grade smoothing, SMU, and recoverable resources. Featuring Ian Glacken and Susan Havlin.
EP 153: The Genesis of Australia's Nickel Industry
Discover the fascinating origins of Australia's nickel industry in this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro. Principal Consultant, Jan Graham, sits down with Executive Consultant, Ian Glacken, to explore the pivotal moment that sparked it all—the discovery of nickel at Kambalda in 1966. From early prospecting and geological insight to rapid development and industry-wide impact, this stor
Ep 152: If You Sign It, You Own It: The Reality of Reserve Sign-Off
What does it really mean to sign off on a mineral reserve? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Allan Earl (Executive Consultant Mining) to discuss the real responsibility behind reserve sign-off and what it takes to stand behind it with confidence. From understanding the full value chain to applying critical review across technical i
Ep 151: When Bigger Isn't Better: Rethinking Resource Model Size
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Jamie Oppelaar (Senior Consultant) and Tarrant Elkington (General Manager) discuss a growing challenge in mining: resource models are getting bigger and bigger. More blocks, more attributes, more simulations. While this can improve geological representation, it can also slow down optimisation, scheduling and everyday planning decisions. So how d
Ep150: Mineral Resource Estimation: What Really Is "Industry Standard"?
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our General Manager Dr Tarrant Elkington speaks with Senior Consultant Dr Gregory (Greg) Zhang about a common question in the mining industry: what is the real industry standard in mineral resource estimation? Drawing on experience reviewing projects across a range of commodities and deposit types, Greg discusses current practices in data manage
Ep 149: Building Resource Estimation Logic in Excel
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) speaks with Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant APAC) about using Excel as a transparent learning environment for geostatistics. Rather than relying on black-box software, they explore how building the logic step by step in a spreadsheet can strengthen intuition, improve data discipline and deepen technical confidence. Whet
EP 148: Simulation Is Not Estimation - rethinking uncertainty in mining
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant) and Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant) discuss one of the most important topics in modern resource modelling: uncertainty. From the long-standing debate of simulation vs estimation, to the growing focus on geological uncertainty and hierarchical truncated plurigaussian simulation, this episode explores where the mining industr
Ep 138: From Scoping to Feasibility: How to nail cost estimation at every stage
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant – Mining) joins Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant – Geology) to explore the fundamentals of cost estimation across the mining study pipeline. Hamish shares practical insights from his more than 30 years in the industry, including the importance of understanding project scale and matching the level of effort
Ep 134: The Interface Challenge - bridging the gap between geologists and mining engineers
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) joins Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) to explore the all-too-common disconnect between geologists and mining engineers. Tarrant talks about the results from the more than 100 professionals that generously responded to his survey - helping geologists and engineers understand how differences in approach, co
EP 136: Why Smart Geologists Script Their Way to Better Estimates
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory (Greg) Zhang and Jenny Dalrymple, both Senior Consultants at Snowden Optiro, share how automation and scripting can transform the mineral resource estimation process - saving time, improving accuracy, and creating an auditable, repeatable workflow. From Python scripting and macros to block model estimation and LUC workflows, Greg and Jenny explain how
EP 133: Cleaner, Quieter, Safer: Why Underground Mining Is Going Electric
In this Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcast episode, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant APAC) chats with Sarah de Vries (Principal Consultant Mining) about the fast-evolving world of underground mine electrification. Sarah explains how battery-electric vehicles are transforming the way underground operations are powered — cutting diesel emissions, reducing heat and noise, and improving safet
Ep 132: Grade Control - the key to reliable reconciliation
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, our host Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant - a leading expert in grade control and reconciliation. They explore why reconciliation is fundamental to every mine, how grade control fits into the mine value chain, and what makes accurate modelling essential for achieving reliable results. Key Time Stamps 0:46 – What is Reconciliation an
Ep 146: How Machine Learning Can Close the Gap Between Grade Control and Resources. Part 2
Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant geology) and Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant Geology) explore how machine learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be used to bridge the gap between grade control data and resource estimation, and why treating resource models as static can hold operations back. Key discussion points: ⏱ 00:00 Introduction and context for using CNNs with grade contr
Ep 147: Raising the Bar: AI-Driven Innovation in Mine Planning
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant) speaks with Dr Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) about extending generative AI into coding practical engineering solutions. They discuss how mining engineers and scientists can use AI tools to prototype bespoke solutions, automate niche problems, and build simple applications without being expe
Ep 145: Convolution is not what happens to your cables in the field truck! Part 2
Gregory Zhang (Senior Geology Consultant) to talk about what convolution actually means in a geostatistical and geological context, and how it shows up in tools ranging from moving averages to convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Building on part one of the conversation, they focus on practical use, common pitfalls, and how to combine modern machine learning approaches with classic geostatistics
Ep 144: When Resource Models Get It Wrong: Can CNNs Help? Part 1
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Ian Glacken and Dr Gregory Zhang explore why mineral resource models and grade control models often fail to reconcile and how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can help bridge that gap. This is Part 1 of a 2 part series. The discussion focuses on early-stage resource estimation, sparse drilling data, and how machine learning can learn from dense grade control
Ep 143 Convolution Without the Maths: a practical guide for Mine Geologists
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Senior Consultant Jamie Oppelaar is joined by Dr Gregory Zhang, Senior Consultant at Snowden Optiro, to explore what convolution really means in a geostatistical and mine planning context. Jamie and Greg walk through how it already shows up in everyday resource estimation workflows. From moving averages and detrending through to kriging residuals and convolutiona
Ep 142: Mining's Blind Spot - when Geology and Metallurgy don't talk
In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Geology Consultant) is joined by Dr Leon Lorenzen (Executive Consultant Metallurgy) to talk about the practical realities of geometallurgy and why linking geology, mineralogy and processing really matters. The conversation draws on real project experience, highlighting the risks of disconnects between resource models and plant
Ep 140: Sandwich Conveyors Explained: high-angle haulage up to 90 degrees
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Joseph A. Dos Santos (Joe) (Dos Santos International, Marietta, Georgia) to explore high-angle conveying and the sandwich conveyor. They break down how sandwich conveyors "hug" the material between two belts to move bulk solids up steep inclines, where conventional conveying or tru
Ep 137: From Tea Bags to Ore Bodies: Ian Glacken's Mentoring Journey
In this episode of the Fresh Thinking Podcast, Principal Consultant Matt Walker (now Senior Resource Geologist with Genesis Minerals) sat down with Snowden Optiro's Executive Consultant Ian Glacken to explore the value of mentoring in geoscience. Ian reflects on the mentors who shaped his long career, the soft and technical skills geologists need today, and his advice for those aspiring to move in
Ep 141: Mineable Shape Optimisation (MSO) - where geology, cost, and design intersect
Mineable Shape Optimisation (MSO) sits at the intersection of geology, mining engineering, and economics. Used well, it helps teams move beyond theoretical resources and towards designs that reflect what will actually be mined. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Resource Geologist) and Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant - Mining) discuss how MSO works, why it matters, and
Ep 139: IPCC or Strategic Conveying – what are we really talking about?
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Markus Dammers (Director, IPCC & Conveyors, Metso) to talk about what IPCC really means in practice, and whether "strategic conveying" is a more useful way to frame the conversation. They explore the spectrum of IPCC options (fixed, semi-mobile and fully mobile), where value is act
EP 135: Fast-Tracking IPCC Feasibility: A Smarter Way to Evaluate In-Pit Crushing and Conveying
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Dr Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) and Markus Dammers (Director IPCC & Conveyors, Metso) explore their rapid screening tool designed to speed up evaluation of In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) options. They discuss how the model helps mining operations quickly assess economic viability, reduce decision uncertainty, and id
Ep 131: Grade Control - at the heart of every successful mine
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro, to discuss the crucial role of grade control drilling and modelling. Grade control may seem like a technical detail, but it sits at the very heart of every successful mining operation. From reducing risk and maximising value, to ensuring accurate sampling and modelling, Ian shares
Ep 130: Comminution Circuits Explained: Maximise Throughput, Minimise Costs
Getting your comminution circuit right is critical for the success of any mining project. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Dr. Leon Lorenzen (Executive Consultant), who brings over 40 years of experience in processing and plant design. They explore how to design and optimise SAG, ball, and ultrafine grinding circuits, balancing thr
Ep 129: Streamlining Mineral Resource Workflows: Smarter, Faster, Better
In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant – Geology, APAC) sits down with Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant - APAC) to explore how mining companies can streamline their resource estimation and grade control workflows. Gregory explains how complex processes can slow teams down, introduce errors, and create "black box" workflows that are difficult to audit. T
Ep 128: Sampling mistakes that could cost millions
Small errors in sampling can lead to big consequences in mining. In this second episode of our three-part series on sampling, Mark Murphy (Manager Geological Services, IGO) and Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant, Snowden Optiro) explore the different types of sampling errors - and how to recognise, minimise, and prevent them. From unavoidable "correct" errors to preventable "incorrect" errors, the
Ep 127: AI in Mining: Hype, Reality, and What's Next
Join Tarrant Elkington, General Manager of Snowden Optiro, and Scott Carpenter, Director of Technology at Datamine Software, as they explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence in mining. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, they discuss: The parallels between AI and other disruptive technologies like autonomous haulage. How to navigate the hype cycle and spot real opportunities a
Ep 126: The Hidden World of Silica Sands
In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Laurie Hassall (Senior Consultant, Geology) and Senzeni Matondi (Principal Consultant, Geology) from Snowden Optiro's UK office explore the fascinating world of silica sands. Often overlooked, silica sands are vital for producing glass, solar panels, and high-tech products that shape our modern world. Laurie and Senzeni discuss what makes silica sands
Ep 125: Inside the Black Box: essential guide to plant sampling
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, our Executive Consultant (and fellow sampling guru) Ian Glacken sits down with Mark Murphy, world renowned Sampling expert, to uncover the realities of plant sampling - from conveyor belts and moisture balances to concentrates and reconciliation. Mark shares practical insights, cautionary tales, and expert tips to help geologists better understand sampling challe
Ep 124: Stochastic Mine Planning - Evolving approaches to manage uncertainty
Stochastic Mine Planning – Evolving the Way We Manage Uncertainty In this episode, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Matheus Faria (Director of Technical Services, KPI Mining) to explore the evolving role of stochastic mine planning. Stochastic approaches move beyond conventional "single-input" mine plans by explicitly considering uncertainty in key parameters such a
Ep:123. Why Sampling Can Make or Break a Mine - Part 1 of 3
In this first of three episodes on sampling, Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro) speaks with Mark Murphy (Manager of Geological Services at IGO), about why sampling is one of the most critical – yet often under-taught – skills in geology. From gold to base metals, exploration to mine geology, Mark shares four decades of experience on how sampling impacts decision-making, project e
Ep 122: Mining the Margins - What makes nickel laterites so complex
In this episode, Julian Aldridge (Managing Consultant, EMEAA) joins Laurie Hassell (Senior Consultant, UK) to discuss the complexities of nickel laterite deposits - from geology to geometallurgy and the processing challenges posed by magnesium and free silica. With more than 20 years' experience in resource geology, Julian brings practical insight into how geological variability affects processing
Ep 121: Power Shift: Why the Mining Industry Is Going Electric
Electrifying Open Pits: The Challenges and Opportunities of Going Battery-Powered In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Sarah de Vries (Principal Consultant) is joined by Paul Lucey, Director at Project 412, to discuss the state of play for electrification in open pit haulage. With a background spanning autonomy, AI, and future mining systems, Paul brings a clear-eyed perspective to
Ep 120: How Final is Your Final Pit?
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, host Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) chats with Pedro Ladiera (Senior Consultant Mining) about one of mine planning's most critical (and misunderstood) decisions - the final pit. They explore the technical and economic logic behind pit optimisation, from the use of Lerchs-Grossmann and Pseudoflow algorithms to the importance o
Ep 119: The Dangerous Comfort of One Mine Plan
What if your mine plan is giving you a false sense of security? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Dr Tarrant Elkington, General Manager of Snowden Optiro, to discuss the shift from traditional deterministic planning to stochastic mine planning - and why it matters more than ever. They explore what stochastic planning really is, how it can improve confidence in your p
Ep 118: Resurrecting Gold Projects - The Data Dilemma
With gold prices at record highs, many companies are looking to breathe new life into historic gold projects - but it's not as simple as picking up where someone else left off. In this episode, Snowden Optiro's Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant) chats with Jane Levett, Principal Consultant, about the data challenges, validation methods, and practical steps required before an historical project can
Ep 117: The Hidden Number That Changes Your Mine Plan. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of our Fresh Thinking podcast, Pedro Ladiera our Senior Consultant chats with Tarrant Elkington our General Manager about the vertical rate of advance (VRA) - a critical but often overlooked parameter in open pit mine planning. They talk through how VRA affects everything from waste stripping and ore access to project risk and optimisation. They cover: What VRA actually means in pr
Ep 116: From Models to Money: Getting Resource Estimates Right
What separates a good resource estimate from a risky one? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Snowden Optiro's Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Bob Jankovic discuss the hard-won lessons of resource estimation. From understanding mineralisation trends to the art (and science) of capping, they explore what really matters when building confidence in your numbers. With decades of operational, fina
Ep 115: What Resource Geologists Need to Know About Mine Planning. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode, Dr Gregory Zhang (Resource Geologist) is joined by Hamish Guthrie (Mining Engineer) to explore how resource geologists can better understand and contribute to mine planning. From the importance of resource classification to the value of including waste domain data, Hamish shares insights from over 25 years of experience in mining operations and consulting. They also discuss the be
Ep 114: The Cutoff Grade Strategy That Can Boost Your NPV by 20%
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Senior Mining Consultant Pedro Ladeira sits down with Snowden Optiro General Manager Tarrant Elkington to explore the real value behind variable cutoff grades in mine planning. From NPV optimisation to stockpiling strategies and the practical challenges of implementation, this conversation is packed with insights that can help elevate your project's performance.
Ep 113: Measured? Not so fast! Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode, our Perth based Managing Consultant Susan Havlin chats with our Principal Consultant Jane Levett about some of the common misconceptions that crop up in resource estimation. From domaining to density to classification confidence - it's all on the table. If you've ever wondered why your model didn't quite hold up under scrutiny, or why 10x10 drilling doesn't automatically mean meas
Episode 112: Financing Mines: The Investment Bank Role. Part 2
With more than 35 years of industry experience, Bob Jankovic our Snowden Optiro Executive Consultant brings first-hand insights from both the mining and banking sides of the table - mining companies and the capital markets. Together, our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Bob discuss the value investment banks add to project development, the skills technical professionals bring to finance, and
Ep 111: Reading Between the Lines. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our General Manager Tarrant Elkington is joined by our Principal Consultant Matt Walker to explore what really goes into ASX announcements of Mineral Resource Estimates (MREs). They discuss the minimum reporting requirements under the JORC Code, the role of the Competent Person, and common red flags to watch for - such as unconstrained estimates
Ep 110: Financing Mines - what banks really look for
What do banks look for before funding a mining project? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington is joined by our Executive Consultant Bob Jankovic to explore the technical side of mining finance. With over 35 years' experience across North and South America, and deep expertise inside major banks, Bob offers a rare look behind the scenes of what lenders expect from fe
Ep 109: Part 2 - Resource Classification in Practice
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Senior Consultant Dr Gregory Zhang and Executive Consultant Ian Glacken explore more advanced mineral resource classification methods. Building on Part 1, they discuss the widely used 90/15 approach, delve into the role of scorecards, and discuss how classification should go beyond drill spacing alone. A practical conversation for geologists, resource modellers,
108: Processing the Risk: Metallurgy in Mining Due Diligence
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Tarrant Elkington Snowden Optiro's General Manager, speaks with Dr Leon Lorenzen about the critical role of metallurgical and processing due diligence in mining projects. They explore how process plants are evaluated, why throughput is often a hidden risk, and the challenges of forecasting performance in both operating and new mines. Whether you're reviewing a
107: Unlocking Gold - tackling refractory ores
In this Fresh Thinking episode, we're discussing one of mining's toughest technical challenges: refractory gold ores. Dr Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro General Manager sits down with metallurgical expert Dr Leon Lorenzen to explore why some gold refuses to come quietly, and the high-stakes processing paths needed to recover it. From pressure oxidation to bioleaching and ultrafine grinding, this
106: Practical Realities of Resource Classification
In Episode 106 of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Graeme Lyall discuss the practical realities of mineral resource classification. This episode explores current best practices and highlights the importance of combining data-driven methods with geological insight. Whether you're a junior or major, this conversation will help sharpen your classification strate
105: The Hidden Lever in Mine Planning
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken interviews Senior Mining Consultant Pedro Ladeira on a topic that's often overlooked—but critically important: fixed costs in strategic mine planning. This podcast at a glance: 00:00 – Introduction: Why fixed costs matter in mine planning 01:00 – How variable costs are typically applied in mine plans 02:20 – Wh
104: Cut-Off Grades - Small Number Big Impact
In this episode of Snowden Optiro's Fresh Thinking podcast, host Pedro Ladeira (Senior Consultant) is joined by Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant, Mining Engineering) to explore the critical role of cut-off grades in mining. From defining what a cut-off grade is to explaining how it's applied across different operations and project stages, they discuss the strategic, economic, and technical fact
103: Tin, Copper and Cornish Ingenuity
Discover how Cornwall's rich mining history shaped the global mining industry. In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken chats with Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall about the legacy of Cornish mining. From tin and copper to tungsten, they explore the region's innovations, the export of mining expertise worldwide, and what the future holds for mining in C
102: Cleaner - Quieter - Safer
Discover how battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are transforming underground mining operations. In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Managing Consultant Hamish Guthrie chats with Principal Consultant Sarah de Vries about the significant safety and health benefits of battery-operated vehicles (BEVs)—improved air quality, lower heat, reduced noise, and less vibration. They also discuss
101: Machine Learning - Case Study
101: Machine Learning – Case Study In this podcast, Susan Havlin, Managing Consultant APAC and Dr Gregory Zhang, Senior Geology Consultant discuss the application of machine learning for geological domaining in Resource Estimation, with specific reference to a project that Dr Gregory Zhang worked on. This podcast at a glance: 1.21 A case study using the k-means algorithm 0.55 Why was an altern
100: A thorny and divisive topic!
In this episode, Ian Glacken our Executive Consultant in Perth, Australia discusses the thorny and divisive topic about whether we should be trying to minimise conditional bias in an estimate or should we be striving for a better idea of grade/tonnage relationship at the time of mining? Ian is joined in this discussion by Graeme Lyall our Executive Consultant who is based in Santiago, and Dr Oscar
99: Modelling & Managing Resource Depletion
In this episode, Susan Havlin, our Managing Consultant – Geology, and Gregory Zhang, our Senior Geology Consultant, discuss the advantages of developing customised internal tools to tackle technical challenges. They illustrate this with a case study on accurately modeling and managing resource depletion. This podcast video at a glance: 00:10 Introduction 01:06 Why is it so difficult? 02:18 Errors
98 - Pre-Feasibility Studies
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall and our EMEAA Regional Manager Julian Aldridge discuss the critical steps in moving from a Pre-Feasibility Study to a Feasibility Study, focusing on refining project concepts and ensuring economic viability. This podcast at a glance: 00:15 Introduction 00:38 Difference between PFS and FS 02:20 Various steps for
97 - Recoverable Resources versus Recoverable Reserves PART 2
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Consultant Jan Graham continue their deep dive into recoverable resources. In Part 2, they tackle localisation, LUC vs. MIK, SMU estimate misconceptions, and what engineers really need to know. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:46 Issues with localisation and its importance 02
96 - Geometallurgical Sampling
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall discusses geometallurgical sampling, from collection to data analysis and ore body understanding.. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:15 Introduction 00:20 Geometallurgical sample collection 02:35 The next stage of sample collection 03:40 Data analysis and interpretation 04:25 Understanding geomet campaign
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