Afleveringen
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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 gallium and germanium minerals, the discussion examines how countries define these resources and why those definitions matter.
The team explores:
The difference between critical and strategic minerals Why supply risk matters The role of minerals in national security and defence Food security and fertiliser-related commodities How critical mineral lists differ between countries The influence of processing capability and intellectual property The minerals driving the energy transition -
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 critical in mining workflows.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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 βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬ '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 under the CRIRSCO framework. The discussion covers:
CRIRSCO Code compliance and disclosure requirements Investor protection and technical defensibility Resource and reserve classification Mining project economics and financing strategies Risk appetite in private vs public companies ESG considerations in modern mining projects How reporting standards influence mine development decisionsThis episode provides valuable insight for mining professionals, investors, geologists, engineers, and anyone involved in mineral resource development and project evaluation.
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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 single, practical block modelβwhile preserving realistic grade variability.
Key topics include:
What localized conditional simulation is and why it matters How localization transforms multiple realizations into a single model The role of the E-type estimate in ranking and distribution Differences between LCS and traditional ordinary kriging How LCS supports recoverable resource estimation at the SMU scale The origins of localization and its relationship to methods like uniform conditioning and MIK -
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬, 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 how multiple realizations can provide valuable insight into upside and downside risk.
The conversation also touches on practical challenges, including reporting to the market and integrating uncertainty into mine planning workflows.
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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 Kriging The operational implications of dilution, ore loss and mining selectivity How simulation-based approaches can support risk-aware and stochastic mine planning Why LCS can integrate into existing mine planning workflowsThis episode is the sixth in our seven-part series exploring recoverable resource estimation, simulation and uncertainty in mineral resource modelling.
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In this episode of Fresh Thinking by βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬, 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 mine planning Why preserving variability mattersListen now to learn how modern geostatistical approaches are shaping the future of resource estimation.
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In the final episode of our 7-part series on recoverable resources and localised conditional simulation (LCS), Susan Havlin from βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬ 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 used to better represent grade variability and uncertainty The impact on resource modelling, mine planning, and grade control Why approaches like LCS may become increasingly important for low-grade, variable deposits -
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 cover the strengths and limitations of these methods, particularly their reliance on variograms and their inability to capture uncertainty.
This episode sets the stage for the next discussion on conditional simulation, where uncertainty and variability can be modeled more effectively.
Topics covered:
What are recoverable resources? Why traditional estimation methods fall short Uniform Conditioning (UC) explained Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) explained Strengths and limitations of recoverable resource methods Subscribe for more insights on geostatistics, resource estimation, and mining best practices.Subscribe to Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro for more insights on geostatistics, resource estimation, and mining best practices.
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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.
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Discover the fascinating origins of Australia's nickel industry in this episode of Fresh Thinking by βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬.
Principal Consultant, Jan Graham, sits down with Executive Consultant, Ian Glacken, to explore the pivotal moment that sparked it allβthe discovery of nickel at Kambalda in 1966. From early prospecting and geological insight to rapid development and industry-wide impact, this story highlights the role of luck, lateral thinking, and persistence in shaping one of Australia's most significant mining sectors.
Learn how a single drill hole, KD1, transformed Western Mining Corporation and led to decades of nickel production across Australia.
If you enjoy mining history, geology, and industry insights, don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow Fresh Thinking by βͺ@SnowdenOptiroβ¬ .
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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 inputs, this conversation explores where things can go wrong, and how to avoid it.
If you're working towards becoming a Competent Person, or already signing off on reserves, this is well worth a listen.
Key moments:
01:14 β What "signing off" actually means
02:23 β Who should be the Competent Person
03:47 β What you're truly responsible for
05:30 β What a "critical review" really involves
08:45 β Where people get it wrong
11:07 β Should you be signing off?
15:36 β Final takeaway: ownership and accountabilityIf you would like to contact Tarrant and Allan: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com
π§ Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel.
Snowden Optiro:
Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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 do we strike the right balance between detail and usability?
Jamie and Tarrant explore why models are expanding, the practical consequences for engineers, and how geologists and planners can work together to build fit-for-purpose models that support better decisions without unnecessary complexity.
Key moments in this episode
00:00 Introduction: Why resource models keep getting larger
03:40 The three main drivers of model size
07:10 How large models slow optimisation and planning workflows
09:30 When higher resolution models are actually justified
14:20 Practical ways to reduce model size without losing value
20:00 Strategies engineers use to simplify models for optimisation
24:55 The key takeaway: the best model is not the biggest modelIf you work with block models, resource estimation, or mine planning, this conversation highlights practical ways to improve workflow efficiency while maintaining the geological detail that matters.
If you would like to contact Tarrant and Jamie: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com
π§ Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel.
Snowden Optiro:
Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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 management, QAQC, geological domaining, estimation methods such as kriging, and resource reporting.
The conversation also explores how practices are evolving and the emerging role of simulation methods and machine learning in resource estimation.
Key topics:
00:01 β Introduction and the motivation behind the study
03:30 β Data quality and common database issues
07:20 β QAQC and confidence in data
10:30 β Geological domaining and understanding deposits
16:20 β Estimation methods and industry trends
20:10 β Resource reporting and common pitfalls
25:00 β Future trends in resource estimationIf you would like to contact Tarrant and Greg: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com
π§ Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel.
Snowden Optiro:
Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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.
Whether you are a geologist, resource modeller or mining professional wanting to better understand what sits behind the software, this episode breaks down the thinking that underpins robust estimation.
π In this episode:
00:01 β Why the Excel World Championship is more relevant to geologists than you might think 02:02 β Why Excel is a powerful tool for learning geostatistics
06:27 β Building variograms from scratch: pairs, distances and continuity
09:24 β Understanding kriging as a system of equations
12:03 β Simple validation routines to keep yourself honest
13:02 β Can Excel help you understand machine learning?If you want to move beyond "clicking the kriging button" and truly understand the mechanics behind resource estimation, this conversation is for you.
If you would like to contact Susan and Greg: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com
π§ Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel.
If you need further assistance in using Excel, we have 2 courses that might interest you:
1-day Essential Excel Skills for Geologists and our 1-day Advanced Excel Skills for Kriging & Simulation. Both courses are presented by Dr Gregory Zhang.
Link to training courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available on all major podcast platforms.
Snowden Optiro:
Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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 industry stands β and where it still needs to improve.
β± Key Topics
00:00 β Introduction: Simulation in mining and why uncertainty matters
01:18 β Simulation vs estimation: what's the real difference?
02:16 β The "space of uncertainty": grade, geology, parameters and planning
03:34 β Are we misleading stakeholders by ignoring uncertainty?
05:34 β Has grade uncertainty been solved? Two-point vs multipoint simulation
06:39 β Data uncertainty: blast holes, nugget effect and sampling quality
07:30 β Parameter uncertainty and spatial bootstrapping
09:43 β Geological uncertainty: why it's fundamentally different
10:44 β Plurigaussian and hierarchical truncated plurigaussian simulation (HTPGS)
12:51 β Industry adoption and emerging trends
13:08 β The "holy grail" of a comprehensive uncertainty model
14:47 β Digital twins and the future of integrated uncertainty modellingπIf you enjoyed this discussion, please Subscribe to Fresh Thinking wherever you listen to podcasts, for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain.
If you would like to contact Ian Glacken and Dr Gregory Zhang: [email protected]
Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available on all major podcast platforms. It is also available in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-DnskmSDnn4
Snowden Optiro:
Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
#Mining #ResourceModelling #Geostatistics #Simulation #Geology #MiningEngineering
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In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant β Mining) joins Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant β 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 to the study stage.
If you're involved in study work, project evaluation, cost modelling or operational planning, this conversation will give you clear, practical guidance you can apply straight away.
Key Timestamps
00:31 β What Is Cost Estimation?
00:56 β Cost Estimation Across Study Levels
01:10 β Data Sources for Cost Estimation
01:58 β Scoping Study Accuracy
02:32 β Pre-feasibility Study Accuracy
03:19 β Feasibility Study Expectations
04:23 β Basis of Estimate (BOE)
05:16 β Common Pitfalls
06:38 β Key TakeawayIf you would like to contact Hamish and Greg: [email protected]
π§ Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms β subscribe to never miss an episode!
π Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally β you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms.
Snowden Optiro Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting, and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors, and investors. We help mine developers advance their projects, mining companies improve their operations, and investors de-risk their investments by providing quality advice, training, and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.
π Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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 practical automation can make complex resource estimation tasks far more efficient.
β±οΈ This podcast at a glance:
00:41 β Using scripting to automate mineral resource estimation
02:18 β Python and Datamine: speeding up exploratory data analysis
03:23 β From internal tools to standalone software - developed by our consultants
04:01 β How macros streamline LUC and MIK workflows
07:25 β Why workflow automation matters for small and large projects
08:22 β Macros as an audit trail for peer review and project handovers
08:50 β How to get started writing your first macro
09:51 β Practical advice for beginners in scripting and automation
10:19 β Final thoughts and closing remarksIf you would like to contact Greg or Jenny: [email protected]
π§ Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms β subscribe to never miss an episode!
π Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally β you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms.
Snowden Optiro Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting, and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors, and investors. We help mine developers advance their projects, mining companies improve their operations, and investors de-risk their investments by providing quality advice, training, and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.
π Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
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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, communication, and expectations can impact project success.
Tune in to hear what both sides really think - and how better collaboration can make all the difference.
Key Time Points:
0:42 β How the idea for the "Interface Challenge" talk came about
1:56 β What is "the interface" between geologists and mining engineers?
2:46 β Why communication breakdowns can impact project success
3:44 β Insights from surveying over 100 professionals
5:00 β What questions were asked in the survey (and how long it really took!)
6:15 β Are geologists and mining engineers aligned β or speaking different languages?
7:30 β The preparation stage: Do geologists and engineers actually talk before modelling?
9:34 β Model handover: why documentation matters
10:43 β What's inside a good resource model (and what's often missing)
12:00 β Advanced estimation methods β how common are they really?
14:24 β Recoverable models and misunderstandings in mine planning
15:44 β Dilution: who's responsible, the geologist or the mining engineer?
17:09 β Surprising results from the survey
18:38 β Why perception gaps exist between the two disciplines
19:45 β Practical steps to improve collaboration and communicationIf you would like to contact Tarrant or Susan: [email protected]
Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms β subscribe to never miss an episode!
Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
π Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms.
Who we are: Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.
For training or consulting enquiries:
training(at)snowdenoptiro.com contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com -
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 β cutting diesel emissions, reducing heat and noise, and improving safety for mine workers. From cost savings to cleaner air, they explore why the move to electric isn't just about decarbonisation β it's about designing smarter, more efficient mines for the future.
Key points:
0:34 β Why electrification matters
1:15 β Health and safety benefits
1:58 β Electrification isn't new
2:33 β Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)
3:20 β Equipment now available
5:05 β Charging challenges
6:27 β Infrastructure needs
7:25 β Cost and productivity
8:31 β Safety and comfort
9:35 β Best suited for which mines?If you would like to contact Hamish or Sarah: [email protected]
Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms β subscribe to never miss an episode!
Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/
Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms.
Who we are: Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors. We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.
For training or consulting enquiries:
training(at)snowdenoptiro.com
contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com - Laat meer zien
