Episodes
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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 electrification?
03:15 Is it possible to remove almost all diesel from an underground mine?
04:15What are the ventilation benefits of electrifying underground mines?
06:45 Is it economically viable to electrify underground mines?
07:50 What are some of the challenges to making mine electrification work?
Join our experts as they explore the topic of Underground Mine Electrification in the episode 88 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Sarah, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, and @Apple Podcasts.hese podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.
Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 SolutionsJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Cut-off Grades in the episode 87 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Julian or Laurie, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, and @Apple Podcasts.
These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry.
Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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Missing episodes?
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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 Criteria for Choosing Phases
06:50 Sizing Each Phase
09:00 Challenges in Phase Design
10:30 Typical Number of Phases in a Pit
12:00 Indicators for Adding More Phases
14:15 How Software Has Improved Pit PhasingJoin our experts as they explore the topic of The Importance of Pit Phasing in Open Pit Mine Planning in the episode 86 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Danny or Gordon, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, and @Apple Podcasts.
These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 cut-off grade for polymetallic ores
06:40 Role of recovery rates in dynamic cut-off gradeJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Cut-off Grades in the episode 85 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Julian or Laurie, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This video episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, and @Apple Podcasts.
These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Laurie, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify and @Apple Podcasts.These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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
04:15 Reasons for not considering geology
05:40 Key aspects of geostatistics
06:30 Focus areas in resource estimation process
07:45 Appropriate estimation methodologies
08:20 Considerations for density estimation in resource reviews
09:10 Steps involved in estimate validation
10:30 Common issues with classification
12:00 Reporting block models to the market
13:20 Findings related to RPEEE (reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction)
14:30 Most important areas to focus on in a resource reviewJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Key Insights into the Mineral Resource Review Processes - Part 2 in the episode 83 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Susan, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode 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.
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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 reviews
04:10 Key elements to look for in a resource review
05:15 Typical outcomes of a resource reviewJoin our experts as they explore the topic of 'Review of Mineral Resources - Overview' in the episode 82 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Susan, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This video episode 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.
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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 GeometallurgyJoin our experts as they explore the topic of 'The History and Origins of Geometallurgy' in the episode 81 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Laurie, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode 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.
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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 Limitations of resource models
06:45 Overview of resource estimation methods
07:30 The rule for waste inclusion in resource model
10:00 The use of recoverable resource models in resource geology and mine planning
11:20 Common issues in model preparation
14:50 Change of Support concept.
17:50 Localisation process and best practices for handovers between geologists and mine plannersJoin our experts as they explore the topic of 'What Mining Engineers Need to Know About Resource Estimation' in the episode 80 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Greg, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode 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.
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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 planners
03:17 What it means when resource models don’t consider mining engineers
03:55 Key elements that should be included in a resource model
05:30 Managing and reducing model size effectively
07:30 The rule for waste inclusion in resource model
09:00 The use of rotated models in resource geology and mine planning
10:15 Common issues in model preparation (bugbears)
11:30 Best practices for handovers between geologists and mine plannersJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Key Insights for Resource Geologists When Delivering Models to Mine Planners in the episode 79 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Susan, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This video episode 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.
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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 extraction?
02:56 Economic viability: Role of mineralogy in lithium deposits?
03:40 Exploration indicators: Key signs for lithium?
05:00 Mineralogical studies: Contribution to resource estimates?
06:30 Assaying techniques: Effects on lithium oxide results?
07:50 Domaining challenges: Issues in pegmatite modeling?
08:30 Contaminants: Concerns in lithium estimation?
08:55 Subdomains in pegmatites: Varying lithium content?
09:54 Drilling impacts: Influence on lithium exploration?
10:30 Geological modeling: Challenges in lithium deposits?
Join our experts as they explore the topic of Hard Rock Lithium in the episode 78 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian, Andrew and Susan, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This video episode 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.
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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
15:00 Regulation and Requirements for CPD (Continues Professional Development)
17:33 Prevention of mining disasters and regulatory responsesJoin our experts as they explore the topic "Draft JORC Code Update: Competent Person Changes" in the episode 77 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Mike, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts.
Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 Additional compliance obligations
03:30 Key aspects of annual reporting
04:40 Required brief summaries in the report
05:45 Further details required in the report
07:10 Supporting documents for the report
07:40 Post-submission process
08:00 JSE compliance verification 08:30 Feedback from JSE
09:00 Ensuring complianceJoin our experts as they explore the topic "Mineral resource & reserve reporting for JSE companies" in the episode 76 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Vincent or Shepherd, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 model
09:30 Choosing the Right Application Method
12:30 Added Fields and Properties
16:30 Model Efficiency AdjustmentsJoin our experts as they explore the topic "The true role of a mine geologist" in the episode 75 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Justine, please reach out to them at [email protected].This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro.
These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 - Requirements for a maiden mineral resource estimate
08:05 - Other aspects of data quality
09:10 - Understanding your data and explanation of metadata
10:45 - Role of the JORC Code in ensuring good dataJoin our experts as they explore the topic "Mining the truth" in the episode 74 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Ian and Justine, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro.
These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 Historical vs. Production Reconciliation
15:30 Impact on Public Reporting Practices
16:40 Need for standardisation in Reconciliation Reporting
18:00 Importance of transparent terminology in Reporting
20:00 Potential for Global Reconciliation Standard
21:00 Addressing any ambiguities in the Draft JORC Code
24:00 Final thoughts and call for feedbackJoin our experts as they explore the topic "Reconciliation Insights: Navigating the Draft JORC Code" in the episode 73 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Rayleen, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts.
Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.
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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 Application Method
12:30 Added Fields and Properties
16:30 Model Efficiency Adjustments
Join our experts as they explore the topic of Open pit mine planning model preparation in the episode 73 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Hamish, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts.
Please look for Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro.
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, 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
08:25 Estimation issues for disseminated mineralization
11:00 Geological models in nickel sulfide minesJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Nickel Sulfide Lithium in the episode 71 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Jan, please reach out to them at [email protected].
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.
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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 Description of a Readers Panel
05:30 Overview of regulations in Australia
07:20 Comparison of Table 1 in SAMREC vs JORC
09:15 Differences in Table 1 Summary
Join our experts as they explore the topic of Compliance in the episode 70 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Senzeni, please reach out to them at [email protected].
This podcast episode 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.
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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 Insight into the Steelmaker’s Project and its unique aspects
09:30 Challenges encountered during site visits
11:30 Trends in Mineral Resources across Africa
14:10 Outlook on the South African Mining Industry for 2024
16:30 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts on mines in AfricaJoin our experts as they explore the topic of Exploring African Mining in the episode 69 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.
If you'd like to connect with Ian and Senzeni, please reach out to them at [email protected].
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.
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