Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

In this episode, Susan Havlin, our Managing Consultant Geology and Gregory Zhang, our Senior Geology Consultant explore the impact of trends in resource data, methods to identify and address them, and advanced techniques like principal component analysis and universal kriging to improve estimation accuracy. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:10 Introduction 00:55 Why trends in data matter 01:42...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Senior Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang discuss declustering techniques, their practical applications, and how to address challenges in resource validation. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:30 The reason to decluster data 01:30 Explanation of how cell declustering works 02:05 Key uncertain...

In this episode, our experts Tarrant Elkington, General Manager, and Sarah de Vries, Principal Consultant, discuss trolley assist technology and its applications in mining. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:45 What is trolley assist? 01:45 Experience with trolley assist 02:40 Worldwide use of trolley assist 03:00 Challenges and hurdles for implementation 04:20 Suitability for...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Consultant Frank Blanchfield delve into effective management of mining studies. They explore the purpose of mining studies, essential success factors, the timing of supporting studies, and practical tips for navigating the entire process. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 Pu...

In this episode, our experts Tarrant Elkington, General Manager, and Sarah de Vries, Principal Consultant, discuss the latest advancements in underground mine electrification, including emerging technologies, ventilation and health benefits, economic considerations, and the challenges of transitioning to battery-electric equipment in mining operations. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Intro...

In this episode, Julian Aldridge, Managing Consultant - EMEAA, and Laurie Hassall, Senior Consultant, discuss the critical factors and strategies for managing mining operations near cut-off grades, focusing on efficiency and optimisation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 Challenges Near the Cut-Off Grade 02:50 Managing Dilution 04:20 Role of Grade Control 06:00 Cost Impli...

In this episode, Danny Tolmer, Regional Manager - North America, and Gordon Webb, Senior Consultant - Mining, explore the critical aspects of open pit mine planning, focusing on pit phasing strategies, optimisation techniques, and the challenges involved in designing efficient, cost-effective phases. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction to Open Pit Mine Planning and Pit Phasing 01...

In this episode, Julian Aldridge, Managing Consultant - EMEAA and Laurie Hassall - Senior Consultant, explore how cut-off grades determine mining profitability by separating ore from waste based on costs and market factors. This podcast episode at a glance:  000:05 Introduction 00:15 Definition of cut-off grade 01:00 Impact of extraction costs on cut-off grade 02:30 Other variables affecting cut-o...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as he delves into the intricacies of geometallurgical data and modeling. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:15 Geometallurgical data usage 01:25 Modelling geological variability 02:35 Estimating processing metrics in block models 04:16 Assessing reliability in predictions Join our exper...

In this episode, our experts Tarrant Elkington, General Manager and Susan Havlin, Managing Consultant - Geology, take a deeper dive into mineral resource reviews, focusing on all the important processes and considerations that enhance the accuracy and reliability of mineral resource models. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 01:30 Mineral Res...

In this episode, our experts provide an overview of mineral resource reviews, discussing key processes and considerations for reviewing and improving the accuracy and reliability of mineral resource models. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, with Part 2 diving deeper into each process in detail. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:55 Experience in reviewing resources 01:15 Ke...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as he explores the historym origins and importance of geometallurgy in optimising metal extraction and reducing risk. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:21 Definition of Geometallurgy 01:50 History of Geometallurgy 03:10 Why Geometallurgy is popular now 05:20 Geological variability conse...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Senior Geology Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang as they discuss how resource estimation methods impact mine planning and what mining engineers should know about understanding estimation models and their limitations. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  00:45 Motivation for discussing r...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant Susan Havlin as they delve into the crucial crossover between resource geologists and mine planning engineers, highlighting key considerations for resource geologists when delivering models to mine planners. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  00:45 Motivation...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant Andrew Scogings and Managing Consultant Susan Havlin discuss the complexities of hard rock lithium, covering key mineral variations, exploration indicators, and challenges in resource estimation and geological modeling. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:3...

In this episode, our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Michael Andrew discuss the proposed JORC Code changes to the competent person's regulation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 02:11 Overview of changes 05:35 Pros and cons of the CV scheme 07:05 Validation of the CV of record and responsibility 09:10 Commodity experience for CP 10:40 Need for declaring sampling, QC, and...

In this episode, Vincent Agnello, Principal Consultant, and Shepherd Kadzviti, Head of Advisory - EMEA, discuss key aspects of mineral resource and reserve reporting for JSE-listed companies, including compliance with section 12.13, annual reporting requirements, and ensuring adherence to JSE regulations. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:10 Introduction 01:30 Overview of public reporting for J...

In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and head of Advisory APAC Justine Tracey discuss what mine geologists do on a daily basis, their role in ensuring efficient mining, and provide tips for new mine geologists. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:55 Definition of a Mining Model 01:15 Process of Creating a Mining Model 03:20 Importance of a Mining Model  04:45 Modifications in a M...

In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Head of Advisory APAC Justine Tracey discuss the importance of data quality in mineral resource estimation and how to manage and understand your data. This podcast video at a glance: 00:30 - Topic introduction  01:30 - Overview of podcast purpose 01:45 - Implications of using bad data for mineral resource estimate 02:10 - Definition of bad...

In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Reconcilor Product Owner and Principal Consultant Rayleen Hargreaves discuss the Draft JORC Code with a focus on Reconciliation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction and overview of Draft JORC Code 01:40 Stakeholders involved in the 2025 JORC Code 03:30 Definition of Reconciliation in the Draft JORC Code 04:30 Clarifications...

In this episode, our General Manager of Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant, Hamish Guthrie discuss the process of preparing open pit mining models and the challenges involved. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:55 Definition of a Mining Model 01:15 Process of Creating a Mining Model 03:20 Importance of a Mining Model 04:45 Modifications in a Mining Model – dilution and ore...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant and Principal Consultant Jan Graham explore the topic of Commodity Series: Nickel Sulfide. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:40 Experience with nickel sulfide deposits 01:30 Key types of nickel sulfide deposits 02:15 Estimation issues for structurally hos...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava explore the topic of compliance, specifically the similarities and differences between Australian JORC Code and South African SAMREC Code. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:40 Brief comparison of SAMREC vs JORC and w...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava share insights on industry trends in her local context, discuss ongoing projects, and explore African resource dynamics. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  01:00 Overview of Johannesburg office and key roles 02:20 Focus...

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Justine Tracey, Head of Advisory APAC discuss mineral resource estimation issues and intricates of gold deposits. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:10 Ian's Background and Experience with Gold 02:20 Justine's Experience with Gold Deposits 02:50 Key Issues in Estimating Gold Deposi...