In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as they explore the nuances of working with the tungsten commodity. This podcast at a glance: 00:08 Introduction 00:45 Explanation of what tungsten is and its applications 02:18 The geological environments and deposit styles commonly associated with tungsten 03:50 Discussion about where tungsten deposits are found around the world 04:35 Explanation of ...
Apr 23, 2024•16 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the top cutting strategy for resource estimation. This podcast at a glance: Oscar introduces this podcast and the speaker Ian Glacken. 00:05 Oscar introduces this podcast and the speaker Ian Glacken. 00:57 Ian describes the importance of a top cut strategy in Resource Estimation. 02:55 Ian discusses the approaches used for selecting a top cut v...
Mar 27, 2024•14 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Allan Earl, Executive Consultant as they discuss the mining aspects of Technical Due Diligence. This podcast at a glance: 0:10 Tarrant introduces the speaker, Allan Earl, and outlines the podcast topic. 1:00 Allan provides an overview of Technical Due Diligence in the mining industry. 2:35 Allan delves into the initial aspects considered when commencing a Technical Due Diligence review. 4:30 When all ...
Mar 27, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Danny Tolmer, Regional Manager for North Americas as they discuss the electrification of the mining process. This podcast at a glance: 0:04 Tarrant introduces the podcast and our speaker, Danny Tolmer. 0:58 Danny explores mine electrification and its connection to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. 2:36 Danny explores various technologies utilized for mine electrification. 2:38 Da...
Mar 18, 2024•12 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the applications of Conditional Simulation in a two-part series. This is the second final episode. 00:00 Ian introduces this podcast and the speaker Dr Oscar Rondon. 01:15 Oscar addresses the topic of Resource Classification in more detail. 02:00 Ian emphasizes the essential role of geological continuity and the need for expert consideration be...
Mar 09, 2024•12 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the applications of Conditional Simulation in a two-part series. This is the first episode. This podcast at a glance: 0:30 Ian starts the podcast, introducing the topic and explaining what Conditional Simulation means briefly. 1:35 Oscar talks about the concept of simulation, specifically focusing on the idea of the space of uncertainty. 03:22 ...
Mar 06, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Technical Writer Kiara Allessio and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon come together to discuss Conditional Simulation — exploring what it is and why it is crucial for Resource Estimation. This podcast at a glance: 00:00: Kiara introduces the episode and the speaker Oscar Rondon. 00:23: Oscar explains why Conditional Simulation matters for Mineral Resource Estimation. 01:00: Oscar stresses the importance of turning data into a Gaussian...
Mar 05, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our Managing Director Tarrant Elkington and Executive Consultant Michael Andrew discuss the topic of Technical Due Diligence and its role for geology and mineral resources. This podcast at a glance: 00:00: Tarrant introduces the episode and the speaker Michael Andrew 00:50: Mike provides a high-level overview of Technical Due Diligence for geology and mineral resources. 03:30: Mike talks about what he looks for when starting a Technical Due Di...
Feb 19, 2024•19 min
In this episode, Geology Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang discusses the practical application of MIK Localisation for addressing complex data challenges, with a specific focus on a gold deposit. This podcast video at a glance: 00:28 – Greg provides an overview of his expertise and background. 01:35 - Greg explains what MIK is. 02:00 – Greg explores the non-linear estimation methods and discusses when to use them. 03:30– Greg outlines the high-level workflow of MIK. 04:53 – Greg explains how to condu...
Dec 15, 2023•16 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Anthony Cook, Product Manager for Supervisor, and Oscar Rondon, our Principal Geostatistician, as they unravel the intricate world of the 'Closure Problem' in geosciences — exploring its impact on various processes and highlighting its critical importance. This podcast video at a glance: 00:48 – Oscar gives a brief overview of what the closure problem is. 02:26 – Anthony explores the potential issues that can arise if the closure is not t...
Sep 14, 2023•8 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Anthony Cook, Product Manager for Supervisor, and Oscar Rondon, our Principal Geostatistician, as they dive into the world of Supervisor and Isatis software from a user's perspective. Discover how they leverage these tools in their resource estimation studies. This podcast video at a glance: 1:00 – Oscar discusses with Anthony his extensive experience using Isatis during his career in the petroleum and mining industry. 2:18 – Oscar explor...
Sep 06, 2023•8 min•Ep. 49
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro talks with Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner about the importance of data transparency across the mine vale chain, for achieving effective reconciliation. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast video at a glance: 1:06 – How would you define data transpare...
Jul 04, 2023•16 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Declared Ore Mined (DOM) with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. What is the meaning of DOM, where does it fit in reconciliation, and what are the pros and cons of using DOM as one of the cornerstones of mine reconciliation are some of the topics discussed in this episode. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement ...
May 18, 2023•11 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Reconciliation and Moisture with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast at a glance: 0:57 Why is moisture or contained water important in reconciliation? 3:32 Is there a reason some companies ignore the moist...
Aug 11, 2022•15 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Reconciliation versus Rescaling with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast at a glance: 1:05 Definition of reconciliation 2:07 What is the differrence between reconcilation and rescaling 6:20 The pros and cons of rescaling data 8:55 Is there a...
Jul 29, 2022•15 min•Ep. 45
To celebrate the 20-year Anniversary of Reconcilor, Rayleen Hargreaves our Reconcilor Product Owner chats to Craig Morley Anglo American’s Head of Mining Geosciences and Reconciliation about the key roles they have played in the genesis, development and roll out of the reconciliation software Reconcilor. Prior to joining Anglo American, Craig was with Snowden for 18 years and it was during this time that Reconcilor was born. Here we are 20 years later and Reconcilor is working its magic on 31 mi...
Jul 14, 2022•15 min•Ep. 44
IPCC offers economic and environmental gains for mining companies. In this part 2 of a 2-part podcast series, Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro's General Manager talks to IPCC expert Phil Morris about the technical details, applications and benefits of IPCC. This episode at a glance: 0:49 Types of IPCC: Pit rim/out-of-pit crusher - Fixed IPCC - Semi-mobile IPCC - Fully-mobile IPCC 3:22 Most suitable applications according to mine complexity 5:04 Possible to get rid of all trucks? 6:00 When looki...
May 24, 2022•16 min•Ep. 43
IPCC offers economic and environmental gains for mining companies. In this podcast, Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro's Global General Manager talks to IPCC expert Phil Morriss about the applications and benefits of IPCC. This episode at a glance: 0:53 Introduction of Phil Morriss (yes, that's him laughing in the background!) 1:16 Phil explains what IPCC is 2:38 Benefits of replacing trucks with IPCC 5:17 Economic/Unit cost savings 7:17 Environmental benefits - carbon footprint reduction 8:48 Ke...
May 13, 2022•20 min•Season 42Ep. 42
In this podcast, Matt Mullins our Head of Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia talks about the economics of project development - honing in on the 7 fundamentals of project success. This episode at a glance: 3:32 Strategic thinking, Pre-feasibility study and Feasibility study – any of these more important? 6:36 The 7 fundamentals of project success 9:32 Why are independent reviews so critical? 11:32 The 4 prime metrics 16:06 What rate of return to expect? Further reading: The Report...
Mar 16, 2022•18 min•Ep. 41
This is the first podcast from Matt Mullins, our Head of Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. In this podcast Matt talks about his experience with creating value through increasing productivity. Matt’s vast knowledge, experience and the skills that he’s gained in his 40+ years in the mining industry, offer us invaluable information. This episode at a glance: 1:52 What are some of the big changes that you’ve witnessed over the past 40 years in the mining industry? 6:00 Capital effic...
Mar 14, 2022•20 min•Ep. 40
This is the 2nd podcast in a 2-part series that covers Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging, which is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken discusses the use and abuse of these techniques in mineral resource estimation, with our podcast host Justine Tracey. This episode at a glance: 1:00 Let's recap the concept of an indicator 1.58 What are the circumstances where MIK is required? 5.56 What are the key issues ...
Sep 02, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 39
This is the first podcast in a 2-part series that covers Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging, which is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken addresses the use and abuse of these techniques in mineral resource estimation. This episode at a glance: 1:00 What are these two podcasts about? 1:36 What exactly is an indicator? 2:33 What is categorical kriging and where would I apply it? 4:32 Could you use it in a mo...
Aug 18, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 38
The JORC code does many things, but it doesn't prescribe how to consistently classify resources. Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains some of the techniques available to ensure consistency in this fifth part of the mini-series on the JORC code. In this episode: 1:22 When the JORC code is described as being principles-based, what does that mean? 3:16 So contrasting to other codes around the world, the JORC code is a good one, right? 4:33 Why can the JORC code be an issue for large co...
May 25, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 37
There are plenty of ways to get it wrong and having to retract your ASX market release is best avoided. Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains how to stay compliant to the rules in this fourth part in the mini-series on the JORC code. In this episode: 1:16 What's the general approach for resource and reserve market releases? 4:20 How does our process in Australia compare to the codes in other markets? 5:43 What sort of errors we do see with releases of exploration results? 9:01 What a...
May 11, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Podcasts in the time of COVID-19. The name isn't a mistake: Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken is talking about Table 1 of the JORC code, why it is there, misconceptions about it and how it can protect investors. In this episode: 0:57 Table 1 and the ASX listing rules - what are your obligations? 1:45 What are the rules regarding Table 1 and when does it need to get completed? 2:27 "If not, why not?" - what does this mean? 3:50 If I have generated a mineral resource estimate, do I need to ...
Apr 27, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Reporting your resource using metal equivalents is acceptable practice, if you follow the rules. In this episode, the second in a mini-series about misinterpretation of the JORC code, Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains where miners are getting it wrong and potentially misreporting the value of their commodities. In this episode: 0:58 What happens if a competent person misinterprets or misreports something to the market? 2:18 What is a metal equivalent and why are we talking about ...
Apr 13, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Recent research undertaken by Optiro's Director of Geology, Ian Glacken, shows there are a number of reports on resources being made to the market that are based on tenuous assumptions. This episode is part of a mini series on misinterpretations of the JORC code. In this episode: 1:03 Is RPEEE hopeless? 2:08 What does 'reasonable' mean, actually? 2:51 What about 'eventual' and 'economic'? 4:16 Are we effectively defining ore reserves at the resource stage now? 6:03 What's causing you to be less ...
Mar 30, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Now that you've built up your resource model from the data it's time to submit it to the Bernard Schneider test. Optiro's Principal Geologist Mark Drabble explains some of the checks you need to perform to ensure your modelling is correct. In this episode: 0:49 What are some of the key issues you've seen in resource models? 6:05 How can we avoid coming out with "bollocks" in our models? 9:09 If you want to keep your models accurate, what are some of the techniques you can use? 13:50 What should ...
Mar 16, 2020•18 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Interpreting data can be a daunting task and 'good luck' probably isn't enough to get you through! So Optiro's Principal Geologist Mark Drabble shares tips on how to get to the right answers in your resource models. In this episode: 0:45 Five years before you could use a computer to model 2:11 Are graduate geologists spending much time in the field learning how to collect data? 4:06 How should you get started in resource modelling? 6:45 What do I need to understand about the JORC code and materi...
Mar 02, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Choosing the right technique to analyse your samples is an important decision and new technology is changing the game. Dr Simon Dominy joins Ian Glacken, Director of Geology at Optiro, to discuss new techniques including photon assay. In this episode: 0:44 What do we mean by 'bulk' assaying? 2:05 Why use BLEG or leachwell? 4:31 Why is photon assay a breakthrough? 6:52 What other bulk assaying techniques should we be aware of? 9:58 Where can we go for more information? For more information: Conta...
Feb 17, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 30
