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PODCAST

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

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

science natural sciences

All Episodes

09:28

102: Cleaner - Quieter - Safer

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/03/20

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 the challenges of transitioning to electric fleets and the future of mine electrification. This

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09:29

101: Machine Learning - Case Study

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/03/13

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 alternative approach needed? 2:10 What is the k-means algorithm and why is it suitable? 3:10 What steps were

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15:49

100: A thorny and divisive topic!

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/03/11

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 Rondon, Principal Geostatistician Datamine. 1:26 This podcast video at a glance 3:03 What is

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11:24

99: Modelling & Managing Resource Depletion

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/02/27

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 involved in using the traditional approach 02:45 Applying these methods 03:53 The solution 09:33 Lessons

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13:37

98 - Pre-Feasibility Studies

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/02/20

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 a Pre-Feasibility Study 05:51 The changes when progressing to a Feasibility Study 09:23 Costs and time

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10:06

97 - Recoverable Resources versus Recoverable...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/02/13

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 02:05 The main localisation method 04:11 How does it work with LUC and MIK? 04:49 How is it different with

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05:56

96 - Geometallurgical Sampling

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/02/05

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 campaigns Join our expert as he explores the topic of 'Geometallurgical Sampling' in the episode 96 of the Fresh

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10:47

95 - Recovery Resources versus Recoverable Reserves

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/01/31

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Consultant Jan Graham delve into the key concepts of recoverable resources, examining their purpose, estimation techniques, practical applications, and how they differ from recoverable reserves. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 Recoverable resources and their purpose 02:05 Main recoverable resources methods 04:30 Applicability in open pit vs. underground scenarios

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07:51

94 - Inside Large Open Pit Mine Planning

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/01/23

In this episode, Danny Tolmer and Gordon Webb explore the complexities of planning and optimising large open pit mines, from defining their scope to tackling long-term challenges and strategic decision-making. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction to the topic 00:30 Definition of large open pit mines 01:20 Optimisation challenges for large pits 02:30 Selecting pit shells with NPV insensitivity 03:40 Common discount rates for large mines 04:20 Impacts of discount rate choices 05:20

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01:01:29

93 - Panel Discussion on Mine Electrification – its...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/01/20

In this special episode, recorded at the Datamine Strategic Mine Planning Symposium 2024, we’re doing something a little different to enhance your listening experience. Instead of our usual two-speaker format, we’ve brought together a panel of four industry experts to share their collective knowledge, insights, and real-world experiences on one of the most transformative trends in mining: Mine Electrification. The panel host is Tarrant Elkington – Snowden Optiro General Manager and the speakers are,

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14:04

92 - Detrending

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/01/09

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 Common methods to identify trends 03:45 Problems caused by trends in estimation 04:30 Mitigating trends

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12:24

91 - Declustering Techniques

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/12/19

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 uncertainties and parameters in cell declustering 03:51 Defining volume in polygonal declustering 06:30 Issues

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12:49

90 - Trolley Assist

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/12/12

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 different mine configurations 05:50 Diesel versus power cost considerations 08:10 Integration with

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14:18

89 - Managing mining studies

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/12/05

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 Purpose of doing mining studies 02:10 Key aspects of a successful mining study 04:55 Logistics and timing

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10:42

88 - Underground Mine Electrification

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/11/28

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 Introduction 00:50 What is mine electrification? 01:45 What are some of the newer technologies for mine

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08:16

87 - Cut-off Grades - PART 2

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/11/21

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 Implications of Mining Near Cut-Off Grades 07:12 Innovative Solutions Join our experts as they explore the

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17:26

86 - The Importance of Pit Phasing in Open Pit Mine...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/11/14

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 01:30 Overview of Open Pit Mine Planning Process 04:10 Explanation of Phases and Their Importance 05:30

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07:51

85 - Cut-off Grades

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/11/07

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-off grade 03:20 Inclusion of capex in cut-off grade 03:50 Types of cut-off grades 04:36 Calculating

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05:11

84 - Geometallurgical Modelling. Fresh Thinking Podcast

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/10/31

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 expert as he explores the topic of 'Geometallurgical Modelling' in the episode 84 of the Fresh Thinking

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16:04

83 - Key Insights into the Mineral Resource Review...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2024/10/24

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 Resource Review of Data 02:45 Reviewing QAQC practices 03:45 Issues found in geological interpretation

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143 results

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