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 untapped areas with future potential for copper deposits 06:25 Explanation of how copper is typically found through exploration and mined 08:20 The metallurgical and mineralogical considerations related to copper 10:00 Discussion on experience with copper projects and their specifics 11:40 Explanation how copper is typically estimated and special considerations 14:30 Thoughts on the future of copper Join our experts as they explore the topic of Commodity Series – Copper in the episode 60 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.  If you'd like to connect with Julian and Laurie, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com.  This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.

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 how tungsten is typically found through exploration 06:00 The metallurgical and mineralogical considerations related to tungsten 08:20 How tungsten is typically mined 09:40 How tungsten is typically estimated 13:00 Special considerations to be aware of in modeling. Join our experts as they explore the topic of Commodity Podcast Series – Tungsten in the episode 59 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Julian and Lauire, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.  Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.

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 value. 06:25 Ian examines the alternatives to the mentioned approaches and their rationale. 12:05 Ian shares his thoughts on why some practitioners endorse reconciliation as a suitable guide for selecting the top cut value. Join our experts as they explore the top cutting strategy for resource estimation in episode 57 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Ian and Oscar, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This video podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.

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 data is organized, Allan discusses the initial focal points, starting with underground mines. 12:00 Allan elaborates on the distinctions in technical due diligence for open-pit mines. 14:07 Allan clarifies whether his due diligence process primarily involves data review or other tasks. 17:10 Allan compares and contrasts due diligence requirements between operating and developed mines. Join our experts as they explore the topic of electrification in episode 56 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Allan, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com.  This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.

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 Danny discusses technologies such as in-pit crushing, trolley assist, rail systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery electric. 4:46 Danny explains the reasons behind the reduction in energy consumption. 6:45 Danny examines the factors influencing the applicability of these technologies in a mine. 9:52 Danny sheds light on the trends and adoption of these technologies. Join our experts as they explore the topic of electrification in episode 56 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Danny, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.

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 beyond simulation in the classification process. 02:55 Ian introduces the concept of using single realisation for simulations. 03:30 Oscar explains applications for using single realisation for simulations. 04:25 Ian further highlights the core process of simulating with sparse data, generating realizations, emphasizing the critical selection of one that accurately reflects the input data, and discusses methods for verification. 06:30 Oscar underscores the importance of defining the simulation's purpose before running it, while Ian expands on strategies for situations where relying on a single realisation feels uncomfortable. 07:30 Ian discusses one case study in which he participated as a member of the Advisory Group at Snowden Optiro. 09:45 Oscar provides an interesting case study example from a period when the multivariate simulation component was not yet available in Supervisor. 10:55 Ian briefly explains the concept of Multivariate Simulation which will might be a topic for another podcast. Join our experts as they explore the PART 2 of applications of Conditional Simulation in episode 55 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Ian and Oscar, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, Stitcher, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts.  These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.

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 Ian moves on to discuss applications of simulation, emphasizing the importance of the group of realizations. 03:50 Oscar covers various things people might explore in the realm of applications. 04:30 Oscar explains the types of statistics that can be performed with the suite of realisations. 05:00 Oscar goes deeper, explaining what a transfer function is. 06:00 Ian provides examples of the most common applications of simulations. 06:20 Oscar and Ian talk about the difference between simulation and estimation. 08:20 Ian shifts to simulating geological uncertainty. 09:05 Oscar explains how to approach simulating both geological and grade uncertainty. 10:20 Ian introduces resource classification as one application involving multiple simulations and realisations. 11:30 Ian explains the difference between classifications in the JORC code and those used in simulations. Join our experts as they explore the PART 1 of applications of Conditional Simulation in episode 54 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Ian and Oscar, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com.

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 distribution after initial data analysis. 02:07: Oscar answers whether the transformation is needed for normally distributed data. 02:35: Kiara introduces different simulation methods available for Conditional Simulation. 03:11: Oscar shares insights on selecting the right simulation method. 04:30: Oscar provides general guidelines on setting up Conditional Simulation. 05:55: Oscar explains why conditional simulation is crucial for assessing uncertainty in mining. 06:47: Oscar discusses the difference in assessing grade versus geology in Conditional Simulation. 07:30: Oscar talks about errors people often make in Conditional Simulation. 08:50: Kiara wraps up the discussion. Join our experts as they explore this fascinating subject of Conditional Simulation in episode 53 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. f you'd like to connect with Kiara and Oscar, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com.

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 Diligence review.  05:50: The discussion turns to the priorities when all the data is organized and what elements are examined first. 07:15: Mike explores the best practices for validating a resource, including a check estimate. 11:30: The conversation shifts to exploring potential opportunities or upsides, challenging the perception of Due Diligence as solely a downside. 15:50: The importance of site visits in the context of Due Diligence is emphasized. 18:30: Tarrant wraps up the discussion. Join our experts as they explore this fascinating subject of Technical Due Diligence of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Mike, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com.

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 conduct MIK. 05:40– Greg provides tips about using MIK. 06:35 – Greg addresses the necessity of MIK. 08:25 – Greg explores the reasons for localising MIK. 08:54 – Greg discusses the details of localisation 10:08 – Greg covers validation tools for MIK 11:45 – Greg talks about a project where localised MIK was used. 12:38 – Greg discusses the reasons for the difference in the LUC and LMIK results. 13:50 – Greg provides a high-level summary of the LUC method. 14:55 – Greg addresses the question of whether grade control drillings are still needed since the estimated grades in the SMUs are already available.  If you'd like to connect with Gregory please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This video podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, Stitcher, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.

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 taken into account.  03:00 – Oscar gives his view on why the closure problem is not more commonly discussed, even though it has significant implications for various processes.  04:22 – Oscar offers his insights on how to overcome the closure problem.  05:13 – Oscar recalls a consulting project where Anthony faced challenges in reproducing correlations and addressing closure issues during multivariate simulations.  06:00 – Anthony talks about the tools used for this project.  06:40 – Oscar shares additional recommendations for listeners dealing with the closure problem. Catch this enlightening discussion on the Closure Problem in geosciences, featuring two industry experts. If you'd like to connect with Anthony or Oscar, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This video podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, Stitcher, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts  These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.

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 explores Anthony's insights on using Supervisor. 2:53 – Anthony shares the components in Supervisor that he frequently relies on and why. 3:17 – Oscar delves into the features of Isatis. 4:18 – Learn how practitioners are utilizing Supervisor, as Anthony, a Product Manager, offers his observations. 5:05 – Anthony and Oscar discuss their user experiences with Isatis and Isatis Neo. 6:06 – Oscar and Anthony speculate on the future, considering the powerful software available within the Datamine family. Could we expect one product that combines the best of both? Don't miss this insightful conversation about Supervisor and Isatis software, featuring two industry experts. Tune in now to gain valuable perspectives on their practical applications in resource estimation studies. If you'd like to connect with Anthony or Oscar regarding Supervisor or Isatis software, please reach out to them at contact@snowdenoptiro.com. This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Libsyn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts. This podcast has been specifically produced for those either working in or associated with the mining industry.

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 transparency and why is it important in the mining industry? 4:53 - What types of data are typically collected along the mine value chain? \ 6:53 - What are some of the challenges associated with achieving data transparency across the mine value chain? 9:05 How can mining companies ensure that their data is transparent and accurate? 10:45 What do you think are the benefits of data transparency for the mining industry? 12:10 Rayleen flips the last question to ask Ian what he sees as potential risks associated with poor data transparency and inaccurate reconciliation in the mining industry. 13:54 Is a picture or a map of the Mine Value Chain important as part of the transparency? If you would like to speak to either Ian or Rayleen about Reconciliation and/or Reconcilor, here are their contact details: Ian Glacken ian.glacken@snowdenoptiro.com Rayleen Hargreaves rayleen.hargreaves@snowdenoptiro.com This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Libsyn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts. This podcast has been specifically produced for those either working in or associated with the mining industry. contact@snowdenoptiro.com snowdenoptiro.com

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 via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast at a glance: 1:16 How do you define DOM and how does it fit into the Mine Value Chain? 2:17 Why do you think that some mines or companies choose to use DOM and other companies use recalculated or factored mill figures? 3:24 What are the issues with stockpiles and DOM?  Does it depend upon where the stockpiles are?  How should we decide which stockpiles should be included in the DOM calculation? 5:24  Are there better options than using DOM? What does that say about the ‘boundary’ between the mine and the plant? 6:50  How are the reconciliation figures handled in Reconcilor? 8:30 Would you incorporate the stockpile delta in the mine figures or mill figures when designing a reconciliation system? If you would like to speak to either Ian or Rayleen about Declared Ore Mined and/or Reconcilor, here are their contact details: Ian Glacken ian.glacken@snowdenoptiro.com Rayleen Hargreaves rayleen.hargreaves@snowdenoptiro.com This podcast is available as an audio podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Libsyn

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 moisture factor? 6:36 Could we just take the moisture measurements at the plant? 8:56 How can we get a better mine moisture measurement? 11:15 How should we handle moisture across the reconciliation work flow? If you would like to speak to either Ian or Rayleen about Reconciliation and/or Reconcilor, here are their contact details: Ian Glacken ian.glacken@snowdenoptiro.com Rayleen Hargreaves rayleen.hargreaves@snowdenoptiro.com

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 commodity group leading the charge in best practice reconciliation or is it being driven from a company level? 10:45 Is there a value in rescaling data when different sources, like Sub-level caves, block caves and stopes are involved in feeding material to the plant during the month? If you would like to speak to either Ian or Rayleen about Reconciliation and/or Reconcilor, here are their contact details: Ian Glacken ian.glacken@snowdenoptiro.com Rayleen Hargreaves rayleen.hargreaves@snowdenoptiro.com

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 mine sites around the world. This podcast at a glance: 1:22 Introduction 1:22 What led to the development of Reconcilor? 2:32 What are the most important features that were developed during your time at Snowden? 2:40 Automation of data capture 4:06 Prognostication – predicting the future 4:39 What is the most asked question about how Reconcilor works? 4:27 How did you get Reconcilor recognised globally? 7:45 What do you think is the most meaningful feature of Reconcilor? 9:37 How does Reconcilor differ today from how it was in the past - and now looking into the future? 12:00 Where has Reconcilor taken you around the world – where to next? If you would like a demonstration of how Reconcilor works and how it could help your mine site, please contact Rayleen Hargreaves: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Snowdenoptiro.com

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 looking for savings - retrofit and mine planning 7:54 Benefits of IPCC for both retrofit and at initial mine planning 12:01 Desktop study a useful indicator 12:46 Greatest technical challenge of IPCC If you would like to discuss the application of IPCC for your mine site or would like more information, please contact either Tarrant Elkington or Phil Morris: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Snowdenoptiro.com

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 is2:38 Benefits of replacing trucks with IPCC5:17 Economic/Unit cost savings7:17 Environmental benefits - carbon footprint reduction8:48 Key drivers to get best benefits from ICC14:36 Anything against using IPCC?16:50 Future of IPCC and its application If you would like to discuss the application of IPCC for your mine site or would like more information, please contact either Tarrant Elkington or Phil Morris: contact@snowdenoptiro.com  Snowdenoptiro.com

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 CodesListing rules of the Stock ExchangesAusIMM website: Guidelines for Technical Economic Evaluation of Minerals Industry Projects Contacts: Matt Mullins matt.mullins@snowdenoptiro.com Justine Tracey justine.tracey@snowdenoptiro.com Snowden Optiro website: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ Professional development courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/training/