Episodes
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...
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 03/18/24
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...
Published 03/09/24
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...
Published 03/06/24
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...
Published 03/05/24
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...
Published 02/19/24
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...
Published 12/15/23
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...
Published 09/14/23
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...
Published 09/06/23
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...
Published 07/04/23
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...
Published 05/18/23
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...
Published 08/11/22
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...
Published 07/29/22
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...
Published 07/14/22
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...
Published 05/24/22
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 is 2:38 Benefits of replacing trucks with IPCC 5:17 Economic/Unit cost savings 7:17 Environmental benefits - carbon footprint reduction...
Published 05/13/22
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: ...
Published 03/16/22
This is the first podcast from Matt Mullins, our Head of Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. In this podcast Matt talks about his experience with creating value through increasing productivity. Matt’s vast knowledge, experience and the skills that he’s gained in his 40+ years in the mining industry, offer us invaluable information. This episode at a glance: 1:52 What are some of the big changes that you’ve witnessed over the past 40 years in the mining industry? 6:00 Capital...
Published 03/14/22
Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken discusses the use and abuse of these techniques in mineral resource estimation. For more information: Rossi, ME, and Deutsch, CV (2014).  Mineral Resource Estimation.  Springer. A practitioners' implementation of indicator kriging. Authors: I M Glacken and P C J Blackney. Contact Ian Glacken for a copy: [email protected]
Published 09/02/21
Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken addresses the use and abuse of these techniques. For more information: Rossi, ME, and Deutsch, CV (2014).  Mineral Resource Estimation.  Springer. A practitioners' implementation of indicator kriging. Authors: I M Glacken and P C J Blackney. Contact Ian Glacken for a copy: [email protected]
Published 08/18/21
The JORC code does many things, but it doesn't prescribe how to consistently classify resources. Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains some of the techniques available to ensure consistency in this fifth part of the mini-series on the JORC code.
Published 05/25/20
There are plenty of ways to get it wrong and having to retract your ASX market release is best avoided. Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains how to stay compliant to the rules in this fourth part in the mini-series on the JORC code.
Published 05/11/20
Podcasts in the time of COVID-19. The name isn't a mistake: Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken is talking about Table 1 of the JORC code, why it is there, misconceptions about it and how it can protect investors.
Published 04/27/20