x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

44:57

Ep 140: Sandwich Conveyors Explained: high-angle...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/12/11

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 trucking can become impractical. The discussion covers how this technology is applied in mining, what it

en

11:01

Ep 137: From Tea Bags to Ore Bodies: Ian Glacken's...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/11/19

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 into resource geology. Whether you're early in your career or guiding the next generation, this

en

16:45

Ep 141: Mineable Shape Optimisation (MSO) - where...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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 where it can add real value. They discuss the economic logic behind MSO, the importance of geological

en

30:34

Ep 139: IPCC or Strategic Conveying – what are we...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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 actually created (and lost) in mine planning, what people often miss when they consider in-pit systems, and

en

10:58

EP 136: Why Smart Geologists Script Their Way to...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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

en

20:07

Ep 134: The Interface Challenge - bridging the gap...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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 -

en

08:05

Ep 138: From Scoping to Feasibility: How to nail cost...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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

en

25:57

EP 135: Fast-Tracking IPCC Feasibility: A Smarter Way...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/29

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 identify where IPCC truly makes sense - saving valuable study time and capital. If you're in mine

en

12:36

Ep 131: Grade Control - at the heart of every...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/10/07

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 insights from decades of experience helping mines achieve better outcomes. Whether you're a geologist,

en

12:50

Ep 130: Comminution Circuits Explained: Maximise...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/28

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 throughput, recovery, and cost to maximise a project’s NPV. What You'll Learn: ⏱ 00:54 – What is

en

06:53

Ep 129: Streamlining Mineral Resource Workflows:...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/21

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. They discuss practical steps for simplifying and optimising workflows, improving collaboration, and

en

38:33

Ep 128: Sampling mistakes that could cost millions

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/19

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, they share real-world insights into why understanding sampling is critical for both technical teams and

en

38:33

Ep 127: AI in Mining: Hype, Reality, and What's Next

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/10

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 amidst the noise. The difference between generative AI and agentic AI and what each means for the mining

en

12:54

Ep 126: The Hidden World of Silica Sands

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/03

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 so unique, how they are processed, and why demand for this industrial mineral is growing. Whether you

en

13:05

Ep 125: Inside the Black Box: essential guide to...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/09/01

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 challenges inside the plant. If you’ve ever wondered how conveyor belt bias, weightometers, or moisture

en

01:55:30

Ep 124: Stochastic Mine Planning - Evolving...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/08/21

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 as block models, recoveries, and prices. Tarrant and Matheus discuss how this approach can transform

en

15:48

Ep:123. Why Sampling Can Make or Break a Mine - Part...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/08/13

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 economics, and geological understanding. This podcast at a glance: 00:00 – Introduction to Mark Murphy

en

07:00

Ep 122: Mining the Margins - What makes nickel...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/08/06

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 decisions, cost, and mine planning. Key Points & Timestamps: 00:34 – What is a nickel laterite deposit

en

10:30

Ep 121: Power Shift: Why the Mining Industry Is Going...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/07/30

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 the evolving technology landscape - from ultraclass battery-electric trucks and hybrids, to the

en

11:11

EP 133: Cleaner, Quieter, Safer: Why Underground...

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ·

2025/07/28

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

en

142 results

Similar Podcasts

Classic Radio Science Fiction

solgoodmedia.com

Mission to Mars

Inception Point Ai

The 365 Days of Astronomy

365DaysOfAstronomy.org

Creek Devil

william Jevning

UFO Chronicles Podcast

Nik Hunter