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 ...
Dec 12, 2024•13 min
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 tim...
Dec 05, 2024•14 min
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 e...
Nov 28, 2024•11 min
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 th...
Nov 21, 2024•8 min
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...
Nov 14, 2024•17 min
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 cu...
Nov 07, 2024•8 min
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 po...
Oct 31, 2024•5 min
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 0...
Oct 24, 2024•16 min
In this episode, our experts provide an overview of mineral resource reviews, discussing key processes and considerations for reviewing and improving the accuracy and reliability of mineral resource models. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, with Part 2 diving deeper into each process in detail. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:55 Experience in reviewing resources 01:15 Key aspects of resource reviews 02:05 Purpose of resource reviews 03:20 Process involved in resource r...
Oct 17, 2024•7 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as he explores the historym origins and importance of geometallurgy in optimising metal extraction and reducing risk. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:21 Definition of Geometallurgy 01:50 History of Geometallurgy 03:10 Why Geometallurgy is popular now 05:20 Geological variability consequences 05:45 Importance of Geometallurgy Join our experts as they explore the topic of 'The History...
Oct 10, 2024•7 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Senior Geology Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang as they discuss how resource estimation methods impact mine planning and what mining engineers should know about understanding estimation models and their limitations. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:45 Motivation for discussing resource geology and mine planning 03:00 Common issues with resource models for mine planners 03:45 Lim...
Oct 03, 2024•24 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant Susan Havlin as they delve into the crucial crossover between resource geologists and mine planning engineers, highlighting key considerations for resource geologists when delivering models to mine planners. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:45 Motivation for discussing resource geology and mine planning 01:45 Common issues with resource models for mine pl...
Sep 26, 2024•14 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant Andrew Scogings and Managing Consultant Susan Havlin discuss the complexities of hard rock lithium, covering key mineral variations, exploration indicators, and challenges in resource estimation and geological modeling. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:30 Lithium minerals: Variations and significance? 02:10 Mineral characteristics: Impact on lithium ex...
Sep 19, 2024•11 min
In this episode, our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Michael Andrew discuss the proposed JORC Code changes to the competent person's regulation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 02:11 Overview of changes 05:35 Pros and cons of the CV scheme 07:05 Validation of the CV of record and responsibility 09:10 Commodity experience for CP 10:40 Need for declaring sampling, QC, and analytical techniques in CV 11:30 Updates to CVs for each sign-off 13:10 Alternatives to resumes 15:...
Sep 12, 2024•22 min
In this episode, Vincent Agnello, Principal Consultant, and Shepherd Kadzviti, Head of Advisory - EMEA, discuss key aspects of mineral resource and reserve reporting for JSE-listed companies, including compliance with section 12.13, annual reporting requirements, and ensuring adherence to JSE regulations. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:10 Introduction 01:30 Overview of public reporting for JSE-listed companies 02:00 Discussion about section 12.13 02:27 Compliance requirements 03:00 Additio...
Sep 09, 2024•10 min
In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and head of Advisory APAC Justine Tracey discuss what mine geologists do on a daily basis, their role in ensuring efficient mining, and provide tips for new mine geologists. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:55 Definition of a Mining Model 01:15 Process of Creating a Mining Model 03:20 Importance of a Mining Model 04:45 Modifications in a Mining Model – dilution and ore loss 06:15 Ways to incorporate dilution and ore loss into a mining mod...
Aug 30, 2024•12 min
In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Head of Advisory APAC Justine Tracey discuss the importance of data quality in mineral resource estimation and how to manage and understand your data. This podcast video at a glance: 00:30 - Topic introduction 01:30 - Overview of podcast purpose 01:45 - Implications of using bad data for mineral resource estimate 02:10 - Definition of bad data 04:20 - Is bad data worse that no data 05:30 - Transition from good data to bad data 07:00 - Req...
Aug 22, 2024•14 min
In this episode, our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Reconcilor Product Owner and Principal Consultant Rayleen Hargreaves discuss the Draft JORC Code with a focus on Reconciliation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction and overview of Draft JORC Code 01:40 Stakeholders involved in the 2025 JORC Code 03:30 Definition of Reconciliation in the Draft JORC Code 04:30 Clarifications needed with Reconciliation terminology 05:45 Public consultation process and feedback 08:50 Histori...
Aug 14, 2024•26 min
In this episode, our General Manager of Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant, Hamish Guthrie discuss the process of preparing open pit mining models and the challenges involved. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:55 Definition of a Mining Model 01:15 Process of Creating a Mining Model 03:20 Importance of a Mining Model 04:45 Modifications in a Mining Model – dilution and ore loss 06:15 Ways to incorporate dilution and ore loss into a mining model 09:30 Choosing the Right A...
Aug 14, 2024•20 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant and Principal Consultant Jan Graham explore the topic of Commodity Series: Nickel Sulfide. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:40 Experience with nickel sulfide deposits 01:30 Key types of nickel sulfide deposits 02:15 Estimation issues for structurally hosted deposits 04:40 Use of 2D modeling or seam modeling 07:20 Involvement with Nova Bollinger deposit...
Jul 17, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava explore the topic of compliance, specifically the similarities and differences between Australian JORC Code and South African SAMREC Code. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:40 Brief comparison of SAMREC vs JORC and when they were updated 01:40 Explanation of a CPR 02:30 Mandatory items to be included in a CPR 03:50 ...
Jul 03, 2024•11 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava share insights on industry trends in her local context, discuss ongoing projects, and explore African resource dynamics. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:00 Overview of Johannesburg office and key roles 02:20 Focus on Johannesburg Practice and daily operations 03:50 Initiatives for Professional Development 05:13 In...
Jun 27, 2024•19 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Justine Tracey, Head of Advisory APAC discuss mineral resource estimation issues and intricates of gold deposits. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:10 Ian's Background and Experience with Gold 02:20 Justine's Experience with Gold Deposits 02:50 Key Issues in Estimating Gold Deposits 06:20 Estimating Disseminated Mineralisation in Intrusives 09:00 Challenges with Dual Commodity M...
Jun 20, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Craig Morley discuss the importance of value-based ore control, the evolving role of mining geologists, and the impact of AI and simulation in enhancing mining operations. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:55 Value-Based Ore Control 02:32 Geometallurgy and Its Importance 03:25 The Role of 21st-Century Mining Geologists 05:45 Simulation and Uncertainty in Mining 08:20 Future of ...
Jun 19, 2024•14 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join us as our Principal Consultant Chris Jones and Allan Earl, Executive Consultant, exploring the topic of underground mine planning process. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:40 Recent Underground Projects 01:05 Underground Mine Planning and Design Process 01:50 Specifics for Scoping Studies 02:25 Mining Method Selection 03:40 Development Design Layout 04:30 Preliminary Stope Designs 05:10 Mining Schedule Setup 07:10 Schedule ...
Jun 05, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join us as our International Regional Manager, Julian Aldridge, and Senior Consultant, Laurie Hassall, delve into the complexities of gold mining. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 03:50 Geological Environments and Deposit Styles 07:15 Experience Required for QP/CP in Gold 08:40 Mineralogy and Metallogeny 10:35 Mining Styles for Gold 12:50 Key Areas for Gold Mining Around the World 14:30 Future Outlook for Gold 17:40 Use of ...
May 30, 2024•20 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Craig Morley explore the intricacies of mining geology, innovation and ore control. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:45 Discussing ore control and mine geology innovations 01:20 Problems and innovations: Example of high-impact, low-cost innovation 02:45 Integration of data innovation in ore control processes 04:10 Approaches to collaboration in mining operations 05:30 Innovati...
May 21, 2024•8 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall explore the intricacies of tin mining. This podcast video at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:40 Explanation of what tin is and its application 02:35 The geological environments and deposits styles commonly associated with tin 04:40 Discussion about where tin deposits are found around the world 06:20 The metallurgical and mineralogical considerati...
May 14, 2024•12 min
In this episode, our General Manager of Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant, Hamish Guthrie discuss the open pit mine planning process. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:52 Defining what an open pit mine plan entails. 01:10 Reason and motivation behind creating mine plans 02:00 Process of creating an open pit mine plan 03:50 Expected outcomes of a typical mine plan 04:50 Addressing the time required for completing a mine plan 05:55 Discussion of frequency of u...
May 08, 2024•10 min
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as they discuss all the specifics of the copper mining commodity. This podcast at a glance: 00:08 Introduction 00:40 Explanation of what copper is and its application 03:07 The geological environments and deposits styles commonly associated with copper 04:30 Discussion about where copper deposits are found around the world 05:45 Discussion about untapp...
Apr 30, 2024•17 min
