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Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

Snowden Optiro
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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  • Ep 131: Grade Control - at the heart of every successful mine
    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, mining engineer, or simply curious about how mines make critical decisions, this episode explains why grade control matters and how to get it right. Key moments: 0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and speakers 1:01 – Why grade control is essential for profitable mining 2:47 – Importance of sampling quality and timing 3:20 – RC drilling vs blast hole drilling: which is best? 4:42 – Underground grade control: diamond drilling and face sampling 6:01 – Common issues with face sampling and how to address them 7:30 – Choosing the right drilling method for your operation 8:27 – How geology influences grade control strategies 8:40 – The JORC Code and reporting requirements for grade control 10:34 – Why grade control isn’t “ground truth” but still vital 12:14 – Final thoughts and takeaways If you would like to contact Ian or Greg: [email protected] 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
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  • Ep 130: Comminution Circuits Explained: Maximise Throughput, Minimise Costs
    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 comminution and why it matters in mining  ⏱ 02:15 – Typical circuit options: SAG, ball, SABC, IsaMill, HIGmill ⏱ 04:00 – What makes a circuit design “optimal” – technical vs. economic factors ⏱ 05:13 – The impact of grind size on gold recovery and project value ⏱ 07:10 – Life-of-mine considerations for different ore domains ⏱ 08:29 – How Mine-to-Mill blasting strategies affect plant performance ⏱ 10:02 – Examples of comminution circuit design failures and lessons learned ⏱ 12:30 – Final advice for getting comminution design right from the start If you would like to contact either Tarrant or Leon: [email protected] 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
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  • Ep 129: Streamlining Mineral Resource Workflows: Smarter, Faster, Better
    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 ensuring decisions are transparent and data-driven. If you’ve ever struggled with inefficient processes or misclassification in your mineral resource models, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get back to focusing on what matters most: the geology. Key Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Susan and Greg 0:35 – Why streamlining workflows is critical for mining success 1:45 – Risks of overly complex workflows 2:29 – Key benefits of streamlining: efficiency, quality, collaboration 3:44 – Preventing misclassification with streamlined workflows 4:32 – How errors impact resource models and reserves 5:16 – Practical steps to start streamlining your processes 6:18 – Keeping workflows lean, transparent, and adaptable 6:34 – Final thoughts and closing remarks If you would like to contact Greg or Susan: [email protected] 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
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  • Ep 128: Sampling mistakes that could cost millions
    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 decision-makers.  Whether you're a geologist, mining engineer, or manager, this episode will make you rethink how you approach sampling in your operations. ⏱ Timestamps: 0:08 – Introducing the types of sampling errors 1:11 – What is fundamental sampling error? 3:33 – Grouping and segregation error explained 7:29 – Why most errors happen early in the sampling process 8:38 – Understanding “incorrect” errors and how to avoid them 12:29 – The role of clear procedures and duplicate sampling 14:50 – Why spatial understanding of duplicates matters 15:56 – Replicates vs duplicates: getting the terminology right If you would like to contact Ian or Mark: [email protected] 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
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  • Ep 127: AI in Mining: Hype, Reality, and What's Next
    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 industry. Why human intuition and expertise remain essential in a data-driven future. Whether you’re curious about the future of digital mining or want to understand where AI is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking ideas. Key Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction and guest background. 01:18 – Setting the stage: AI as the next disruptive technology in mining. 05:14 – Understanding the hype cycle and Amara’s Law. 10:06 – Lessons from autonomous haulage systems and parallels to AI adoption. 12:02 – The adjacent possible principle: multiple technologies combining to drive change. 17:05 – Where AI sits in the hype cycle today. 20:01 – Generative AI vs. Agentic AI: key differences and future impact. 24:55 – Why quality data and human expertise are still crucial. 33:21 – Looking ahead: where AI could take resource modelling and mine planning. 37:42 – Closing thoughts and reflections on AI’s future in mining. If you would like to contact Tarrant and Scott: [email protected] 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.  Datamine is a software solutions business that enables those in the mining industry to confidently make effective strategic, tactical and operational decisions at all stages of the mining process. For training or consulting enquiries: training(at)snowdenoptiro.com contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com
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About 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 to derisk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves. [email protected] www.snowdenoptiro.com Snowden Optiro Mining Advisory Consulting, Software and Training.
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