Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

Snowden Optiro
  • 0.0 (0)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

News and information from the world of geology and mining, Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro provides a new perspective on the mining industry and seeks to educate on best practice. 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 derisk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves. contact@snowdenoptiro.com www.snowdenoptiro.com Snowden Optiro Mining Advisory Consulting, Software and Training.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    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 industry stands — and where it still needs to improve. ⏱ Key Topics 00:00 – Introduction: Simulation in mining and why uncertainty matters 01:18 – Simulation vs estimation: what's the real difference? 02:16 – The "space of uncertainty": grade, geology, parameters and planning 03:34 – Are we misleading stakeholders by ignoring uncertainty? 05:34 – Has grade uncertainty been solved? Two-point vs multipoint simulation 06:39 – Data uncertainty: blast holes, nugget effect and sampling quality 07:30 – Parameter uncertainty and spatial bootstrapping 09:43 – Geological uncertainty: why it's fundamentally different 10:44 – Plurigaussian and hierarchical truncated plurigaussian simulation (HTPGS) 12:51 – Industry adoption and emerging trends 13:08 – The "holy grail" of a comprehensive uncertainty model 14:47 – Digital twins and the future of integrated uncertainty modelling 👍If 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: contact@snowdenoptiro.com 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

    16 min

  2. 11 FEB

    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 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 – What Is Cost Estimation? 00:56 – Cost Estimation Across Study Levels 01:10 – Data Sources for Cost Estimation 01:58 – Scoping Study Accuracy 02:32 – Pre-feasibility Study Accuracy 03:19 – Feasibility Study Expectations 04:23 – Basis of Estimate (BOE) 05:16 – Common Pitfalls 06:38 – Key Takeaway If you would like to contact Hamish and Greg: contact@snowdenoptiro.com 🎧 Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode! 👍 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. 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. 🌐 Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

    8 min

  3. 11 FEB

    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 practical automation can make complex resource estimation tasks far more efficient.  ⏱️ This podcast at a glance: 00:41 – Using scripting to automate mineral resource estimation 02:18 – Python and Datamine: speeding up exploratory data analysis 03:23 – From internal tools to standalone software - developed by our consultants 04:01 – How macros streamline LUC and MIK workflows 07:25 – Why workflow automation matters for small and large projects 08:22 – Macros as an audit trail for peer review and project handovers 08:50 – How to get started writing your first macro 09:51 – Practical advice for beginners in scripting and automation 10:19 – Final thoughts and closing remarks If you would like to contact Greg or Jenny: contact@snowdenoptiro.com  🎧 Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode! 👍 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. 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. 🌐 Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

    11 min

  4. 11 FEB

    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, 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 – How the idea for the "Interface Challenge" talk came about 1:56 – What is "the interface" between geologists and mining engineers? 2:46 – Why communication breakdowns can impact project success 3:44 – Insights from surveying over 100 professionals 5:00 – What questions were asked in the survey (and how long it really took!) 6:15 – Are geologists and mining engineers aligned – or speaking different languages? 7:30 – The preparation stage: Do geologists and engineers actually talk before modelling? 9:34 – Model handover: why documentation matters 10:43 – What's inside a good resource model (and what's often missing) 12:00 – Advanced estimation methods – how common are they really? 14:24 – Recoverable models and misunderstandings in mine planning 15:44 – Dilution: who's responsible, the geologist or the mining engineer? 17:09 – Surprising results from the survey 18:38 – Why perception gaps exist between the two disciplines 19:45 – Practical steps to improve collaboration and communication If you would like to contact Tarrant or Susan: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – 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

    20 min

  5. 11 FEB

    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 safety for mine workers. From cost savings to cleaner air, they explore why the move to electric isn't just about decarbonisation — it's about designing smarter, more efficient mines for the future. Key points: 0:34 – Why electrification matters 1:15 – Health and safety benefits 1:58 – Electrification isn't new 2:33 – Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) 3:20 – Equipment now available 5:05 – Charging challenges 6:27 – Infrastructure needs 7:25 – Cost and productivity 8:31 – Safety and comfort 9:35 – Best suited for which mines? If you would like to contact Hamish or Sarah: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – 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

    11 min

  6. 11 FEB

    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 and Why It Matters Ian explains why reconciliation is fundamental to every mining operation and what makes it complex and critical. 1:31 – The Role of the Grade Control Model Discussion on how grade control fits within the mine value chain and its link to production and reconciliation outcomes. 3:13 – Reconciliation is a Team Effort How geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, and finance teams all play a part in accurate reconciliation. 5:42 – Grade Control Modelling Methods Ian outlines common estimation techniques used in grade control, including ordinary kriging and inverse distance methods. 7:38 – When to Use Advanced Estimation Methods The team discusses when probabilistic or multiple indicator kriging methods may offer better results for complex orebodies. 8:49 – Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways Greg and Ian summarise the importance of good grade control, accurate modelling, and effective reconciliation practices. 🎧 Tune in to understand how better grade control leads to smarter, more consistent mining outcomes. If you would like to contact Ian or Greg: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – 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

    9 min

  7. 11 FEB

    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 control data  ⏱ 00:55 Why machine learning must be an ongoing, iterative process ⏱ 03:18 Handling multivariate data and complex geological relationships ⏱ 04:00 Practical considerations: data quality, alignment, and validation ⏱ 06:02 Trust, interpretability, and keeping geologists in the loop ⏱ 07:19 Using lithology and categorical data in CNN models ⏱ 08:58 How an operation can get started with these techniques ⏱ 11:58 Final thoughts on machine learning as a decision-support tool If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain. If you would like to contact Ian or Gregory: contact@snowdenoptiro.com 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 including the video format on the Snowden Optiro YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZm0zjSNmpo27fX_tfI79Yzhxy3VXjvMt  👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. 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/

    13 min

  8. 11 FEB

    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 expert programmers. If you've ever thought about using AI, but didn't know where to start, this conversation is for you. Key moments: 0:36 – Why generative AI and coding is relevant for mining professionals 2:41 – What "AI coding" actually involves and how it works 4:22 – Real mining examples: road design optimisation and waste dump planning 6:46 – Does it really work first time? Debugging and validation 8:24 – What you learn through the process 9:37 – When it won't work and why starting small matters 11:06 – Practical advice for engineers and scientists wanting to begin Generative AI is changing how we work. The question is not whether to use it, but how to use it well. Listen now and see how you could start building your own tools. If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain. If you would like to contact Tarrant Elkington or Susan Havlin: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available on most audio podcast platforms and also as a video podcast on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/v3dQDfaU-vg 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. 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/

    13 min
See All (147)

About

News and information from the world of geology and mining, Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro provides a new perspective on the mining industry and seeks to educate on best practice. 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 derisk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves. contact@snowdenoptiro.com www.snowdenoptiro.com Snowden Optiro Mining Advisory Consulting, Software and Training.

Information

You Might Also Like