Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

• Ep 109: Part 2 - Resource Classification in Practice

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Senior Consultant Dr Gregory Zhang and Executive Consultant Ian Glacken explore more advanced mineral resource classification methods. Building on Part 1, they discuss the widely used 90/15 approach, delve into the role of scorecards, and discuss how classification should go beyond drill spacing alone. A practical conversation for geologists, resource modellers, and anyone involved in technical reporting.  This podcast at a glance:  00:45 – What is the 90/15 approach and how is it applied? 02:50 – Production volumes and how they link to confidence levels 05:00 – Why drill spacing alone isn't enough 06:50 – Conditional simulation and its role in classification 07:55 – Introduction to the scorecard method 10:50 – Strengths and subjectivity in the scorecard approach 11:45 – Real-world case study applying 90/15 and scorecards 13:00 – Final thoughts on classification beyond simple metrics If you would like to contact Ian and Gregory: [email protected] 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. This video version of this podcast is available on Snowden Optiro YouTube channel. 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. Find out more at: https://snowdenoptiro.com Training: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professiona...  

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• 108: Processing the Risk: Metallurgy in Mining Due Diligence

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Tarrant Elkington Snowden Optiro's General Manager, speaks with Dr Leon Lorenzen about the critical role of metallurgical and processing due diligence in mining projects. They explore how process plants are evaluated, why throughput is often a hidden risk, and the challenges of forecasting performance in both operating and new mines. Whether you're reviewing an acquisition or building a new operation, this discussion provides valuable insight into identifying red flags and understanding the real-world complexity behind the numbers. This podcast at a glance: 00:20 – What due diligence really means in a processing context 01:30 – Using the process design baseline to evaluate plant performance 03:00 – Why high recoveries can be misleading without throughput context 04:50 – Common red flags: when ounces look good, but costs and feed rates don't 07:00 – The importance of test work and geological input in forecasting 09:30 – Case study: transition from open pit to underground and its impact on throughput 10:00 – Unique risks with new mines and the ramp-up phase 13:00 – Why expertise and independent evaluation are essential for sound investment decisions If you would like to contact Tarrant and Leon: [email protected] 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. This video podcast is also available as a free video podcast on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel. 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. Find out more about Snowden Optiro: https://snowdenoptiro.com Professional Development Training: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/    

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• 107: Unlocking Gold - tackling refractory ores

  In this Fresh Thinking episode, we’re discussing one of mining’s toughest technical challenges: refractory gold ores. Dr Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro General Manager sits down with metallurgical expert Dr Leon Lorenzen to explore why some gold refuses to come quietly, and the high-stakes processing paths needed to recover it. From pressure oxidation to bioleaching and ultrafine grinding, this episode uncovers the costs, complexities, and future of refractory ore treatment. If you're a geologist, metallurgist, or investor—this one's essential listening. This podcast at a glance: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:45 – What is refractory gold? And why is it a problem? 02:30 – The role of geology and early detection 04:00 – How refractory ore impacts project economics 05:15 – Overview of processing methods: POX, BIOX, Albion, roasting 07:30 – How to choose the right processing path 09:00 – Real-world examples of refractory gold plants 11:00 – The future: centralised hubs and economic scale 12:30 – Final thoughts and advice for developers and investors If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Leon: [email protected] This video podcast is also available as a video podcast on our Snowden Optiro YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SnowdenOptiro 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. 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. Find out more at: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ Professional Development courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/  #mineralprocessing #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking #gold #podcast

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• 106: Practical Realities of Resource Classification

  In Episode 106 of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Graeme Lyall discuss the practical realities of mineral resource classification. This episode explores current best practices and highlights the importance of combining data-driven methods with geological insight. Whether you're a junior or major, this conversation will help sharpen your classification strategy and confidence levels. This podcast at a glance: ⏱️ 00:15 – Why resource classification matters across global reporting codes ⏱️ 01:55 – Introduction to the 90-15 approach for confidence-based classification ⏱️ 04:00 – The dangers of the “spotted dog” effect and how to avoid it ⏱️ 05:21 – Calculating drill spacing the smart way: distance-to-holes technique ⏱️ 07:04 – Alternatives to drill spacing: kriging variance and its limitations ⏱️ 08:00 – Why close spacing doesn’t always mean high confidence ⏱️ 09:01 – The two-indicator approach: origins, application, and benefits ⏱️ 13:01 – Assumptions, limitations, and when to adjust the 90-15 rule ⏱️ 17:00 – When the two-indicator method doesn’t fit: deposit-style considerations ⏱️ 18:00 – What’s coming in Part 2: simulation and scorecard approaches If you would like to contact Ian and Graeme: [email protected] 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. This podcast is also available as a cideo on our Snowden Optiro YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/7CqcvRDi9Jw 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. Find out more at https://snowdenoptiro.com Professional Development courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/ [email protected]  

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• 105: The Hidden Lever in Mine Planning

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken interviews Senior Mining Consultant Pedro Ladeira on a topic that’s often overlooked—but critically important: fixed costs in strategic mine planning.   This podcast at a glance: 00:00 – Introduction: Why fixed costs matter in mine planning 01:00 – How variable costs are typically applied in mine plans 02:20 – What are conditional fixed costs and why they matter 03:50 – Impact of fixed costs on strategic planning and scheduling 05:10 – Reclaiming low-grade stockpiles and the role of fixed cost reduction 06:30 – Fixed vs variable costs in processing plants 07:45 – Stockpiling strategy and mine life optimisation 08:50 – When to start accounting for fixed costs in planning 09:30 – Final thoughts: Using fixed costs to optimise your NPV   This is a must-listen for anyone involved in mine planning, financial modelling, or operational strategy.   If you would like to contact Pedro or Ian: [email protected]   🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking on mining strategy, geology, and resource optimisation.   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.   Find out more at https://snowdenoptiro.com https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/   #MinePlanning #MiningStrategy #FixedCosts #NPV #MiningPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking

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