Ep 122: Mining the Margins - What makes nickel laterites so complex

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

In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Laurie Hassall (Senior Consultant, Geology) and Senzeni Matondi (Principal Consultant, Geology) from Snowden Optiro's UK office explore the fascinating world of silica sands. Often overlooked, silica sands are vital for producing glass, solar panels, and high-tech products that shape our modern world. Laurie and Senzeni discuss what makes silica sands so unique, how they are processed, and why demand for this industrial mineral is growing. Whether you work in mining, processing, or downstream industries, this episode provides valuable insights into how silica sands are transforming from a bulk commodity into a critical mineral for the future. Key Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to the hosts and today’s topic 0:48 – What silica sands are and why they matter 2:00 – What sets silica apart from other industrial minerals 3:10 – Purity levels and the critical role of Fe₂O₃ in glass production 5:01 – Key factors for processing silica sands 5:35 – Typical processing pathway explained 7:25 – Resource estimation for silica sand deposits 9:43 – Why silica sands are now seen as a critical mineral 10:38 – The future of silica sands: geometallurgy and sustainability 12:01 – Final thoughts and takeaways Have a question about silica sands or you'd like to contact Laurie and Senzeni: [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

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, our Executive Consultant (and fellow sampling guru) Ian Glacken sits down with Mark Murphy, world renowned Sampling expert, to uncover the realities of plant sampling - from conveyor belts and moisture balances to concentrates and reconciliation. Mark shares practical insights, cautionary tales, and expert tips to help geologists better understand sampling challenges inside the plant. If you’ve ever wondered how conveyor belt bias, weightometers, or moisture variability affect your reconciliations, this conversation is essential listening. Key Timestamps 0:04 – Introduction: Setting the stage for plant sampling and reconciliation. 1:01 – “Never trust a metallurgist?” (Just kidding!) Why geologists and metallurgists often have different priorities. 2:00 – Weightometers & moisture: The two biggest issues affecting mass balance into the plant. 3:00 – Conveyor belts: Why top-belt samplers and fines create bias. 4:50 – Time-based errors: How long conveyors cause cyclic sampling challenges. 6:14 – Homogenisation matters: When material becomes “relatively homogeneous” and why head grade calculation is tricky. 7:30 – Concentrate sampling: Why it’s usually less of an issue than belt sampling. 9:00 – Shark-fin samplers & densometers: Common pitfalls to watch out for in plant sampling setups. 10:26 – Value engineering: How cost-cutting compromises plant sampling accuracy. 12:30 – Collaboration is key: Why geologists, metallurgists, and mining managers must work closely together. Keep tuned for the final episode of this Sampling series. Have a question about Sampling or want to get in touch: [email protected] Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. LINK to Snowden Optiro Professional Development courses - Look for the Sampling Theory and Best Practice course: https://snowdenoptiro.com/events/sampling-theory-and-best-practice/ Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is 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

Stochastic Mine Planning – Evolving the Way We Manage Uncertainty In this episode, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Matheus Faria (Director of Technical Services, KPI Mining) to explore the evolving role of stochastic mine planning. Stochastic approaches move beyond conventional “single-input” mine plans by explicitly considering uncertainty in key parameters such as block models, recoveries, and prices. Tarrant and Matheus discuss how this approach can transform decision-making and create more resilient mine plans. Key moments in the episode: [00:02] – What stochastic mine planning is and why it’s gaining traction. [07:45] – Limitations of conventional deterministic planning. [16:20] – Applying stochastic methods to sequencing, cut-off grades, stockpiling, and blending. [27:50] – Practical insights from Matheus on integrating stochastic planning into operations. [39:10] – Looking ahead: the future of stochastic planning in the mining industry. [43:30] – Discussion on the real-world challenges of adoption, including computational demands and the need for organisational buy-in. [50:05] – Reflections on how stochastic planning supports better communication between technical teams and decision-makers. [55:40] – Final thoughts from both Tarrant and Matheus on where the industry is heading and advice for companies considering stochastic approaches. This episode offers valuable insights for mining professionals interested in risk management, decision-making, and the future of strategic mine planning. Have a question or want to get in touch? Contact us: [email protected] Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms. Snowden Optiro: 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 KPI Mining Solutions: KPI Mining Solutions provide significant value by developing and commercializing cutting-edge software and services to the mining industry. They bring innovative stochastic mine planning and orebody modeling solutions to the mining industry, transforming their entire operation.. Their strength comes from 20 plus years of experience in data and analytics, artificial intelligence, digital experience, and enterprise performance management. They build custom and commercial software solutions and offer consulting services across a wide range of use cases in mining, supply chain, manufacturing and transportation. Inquiries: https://kpimining.com/about-us/

In this first of three episodes on sampling, Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro) speaks with Mark Murphy (Manager of Geological Services at IGO), about why sampling is one of the most critical – yet often under-taught – skills in geology. From gold to base metals, exploration to mine geology, Mark shares four decades of experience on how sampling impacts decision-making, project economics, and geological understanding. This podcast at a glance:  00:00 – Introduction to Mark Murphy and the 3-part series 01:02 – Why sampling is vital for geologists 03:36 – Lessons from gold mining and coarse gold challenges 05:49 – How sampling principles apply across all commodities 07:38 – Key differences between exploration and mine geologists 10:33 – Precision, accuracy, and representativity in grade control 13:52 – Advice for young geologists to build sampling skills Keep tuned for Parts 2 and 3 of this Sampling series. Have a question or want to get in touch? Contact us: [email protected] Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. LINK to Snowden Optiro Professional Development courses - Look for the Sampling Theory and Best Practice course: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/ You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro 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

In this episode, Julian Aldridge (Managing Consultant, EMEAA) joins Laurie Hassell (Senior Consultant, UK) to discuss the complexities of nickel laterite deposits - from geology to geometallurgy and the processing challenges posed by magnesium and free silica. With more than 20 years’ experience in resource geology, Julian brings practical insight into how geological variability affects processing decisions, cost, and mine planning. Key Points & Timestamps: 00:34 – What is a nickel laterite deposit? 01:03 – The role of mafic and ultramafic rocks 01:30 – Laterite vs saprolite horizons 02:10 – Why geometallurgy is critical for processing 03:07 – The impact of magnesium and free silica 04:38 – HPAL vs pyrometallurgical processing routes 05:35 – How free silica dilutes grade and increases OPEX 06:30 – The importance of early-stage planning and blending Have a question or want to get in touch? Contact us: [email protected] Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro 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  #NickelLaterite #Geometallurgy #MiningPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking

Electrifying Open Pits: The Challenges and Opportunities of Going Battery-Powered In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Sarah de Vries (Principal Consultant) is joined by Paul Lucey, Director at Project 412, to discuss the state of play for electrification in open pit haulage. With a background spanning autonomy, AI, and future mining systems, Paul brings a clear-eyed perspective to the evolving technology landscape - from ultraclass battery-electric trucks and hybrids, to the infrastructure hurdles that come with ditching diesel. Episode Highlights:  0:04 – Introduction: Meet Sarah de Vries and Paul Lucey 0:45 – Battery-electric trucks: Are they ready for open pit mining? 1:29 – The real challenge: Charging infrastructure, not the trucks 3:00 – Why supporting infrastructure costs more than the trucks themselves 4:01 – What's happening with battery chemistries (LTO, LFP, NMC)? 4:22 – Can dynamic charging replace traditional trolley assist? 5:17 – Why relocatable charging systems might be the future 5:46 – Are diesel-electric hybrids a smarter near-term solution? 7:06 – Why 2027 is a critical milestone for implementation 8:11 – Why underground is ahead — and what’s holding open pits back 8:47 – Smart fleet management: the low-hanging fruit for emissions cuts 9:44 – Adding AI to your trucks: 7–15% efficiency gains 10:06 – Closing thoughts Whether you're planning decarbonisation strategies, watching battery tech evolve, or just want to know where things really stand - this episode is packed with practical insight. Contact: If you would like to contact either Sarah or Paul: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com More info: https://snowdenoptiro.com You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms. 👍 Like, comment and subscribe for more insights from the team at Snowden Optiro. 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 #MineElectrification #OpenPitMining #BatteryElectricTrucks #MiningInnovation #PaulLucey #Project412 #FreshThinkingPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #Mining #MiningIndustry #FreshThinking

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, host Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) chats with Pedro Ladiera (Senior Consultant Mining) about one of mine planning’s most critical (and misunderstood) decisions - the final pit. They explore the technical and economic logic behind pit optimisation, from the use of Lerchs-Grossmann and Pseudoflow algorithms to the importance of discounting by depth, and why your first five years of mining might matter more than the final pit itself. Pedro also introduces Direct Block Scheduling as a powerful alternative for blending and sequencing - and they both reflect on how sensitive infrastructure placement is to assumptions that may change over time. Key Points & Timestamps: 0:16 – What is a final pit, and why does it matter? 2:00 – The role of the final pit in mine design, scheduling, and infrastructure layout 3:09 – Pit optimisation methods: Lerchs-Grossmann & Pseudoflow algorithms 5:30 – Revenue factors and nested pit shells explained 6:38 – Why the “optimal” shell may not maximise NPV 9:01 – Using depth discounting to choose better shells 10:01 – Introduction to Direct Block Scheduling 13:45 – Infrastructure regret: what happens when pits grow beyond expectation 15:00 – Why several pit options may yield similar value — and how that shapes decision-making 16:42 – Final pit vs. starter pit: where planners should really focus 17:54 – When to lean toward revenue factor 1, and when to consider strategic alternatives You can find our Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms. 👍 Like, comment and subscribe for more insights from the team at Snowden Optiro. If you would like to contact Tarrant or Pedro: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 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 https://snowdenoptiro.com/ #MiningPodcast #MinePlanning #FinalPit #PitOptimisation #NPV #LerchsGrossmann #DirectBlockScheduling #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking #Geology #MiningEngineering

What if your mine plan is giving you a false sense of security? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Dr Tarrant Elkington, General Manager of Snowden Optiro, to discuss the shift from traditional deterministic planning to stochastic mine planning - and why it matters more than ever. They explore what stochastic planning really is, how it can improve confidence in your production forecasts, and why the mining industry has been slow to adopt it despite decades of development. Key Topics: 00:04 – Introduction: Traditional vs. stochastic mine planning 02:33 – What is stochastic planning and how is it different? 04:00 – Real-world benefits: From robust forecasts to better design 06:19 – Why industry adoption has been slow 09:35 – The challenge of conditional simulations in practical workflows 11:23 – Insights from ASX market announcements and reporting methods 12:52 – Why mining engineers don’t use geological simulations (yet) 13:57 – Is using one realisation enough? 15:16 – Open pit vs. underground: different design approaches 17:00 – Bridging the gap with better models and tools 18:30 – The rise of COSMO & other stochastic tools 19:05 – Being pragmatic: How to link theory to real-world value 🔗 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favourite podcast platforms. 👍 Like, comment and subscribe for more insights from the team at Snowden Optiro. If you would like to contact Tarrant or Greg: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 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 https://snowdenoptiro.com/

With gold prices at record highs, many companies are looking to breathe new life into historic gold projects - but it’s not as simple as picking up where someone else left off. In this episode, Snowden Optiro’s Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant) chats with Jane Levett, Principal Consultant, about the data challenges, validation methods, and practical steps required before an historical project can be re-estimated or brought back into production. Whether you're a junior explorer or a seasoned mining professional, this episode offers critical insights into what makes or breaks a resource estimate on old ground. Key points:  00:00 – Introduction: Why historic gold projects are attracting attention 01:00 – Common data quality issues in legacy projects 02:15 – What to check before approaching a consultant 03:00 – The importance of QAQC and how to validate missing data 04:00 – Twin drilling: When, why, and how much 05:20 – Sampling strategies for validating historic holes 06:00 – Selecting which holes to twin (and why geology matters) 07:00 – Using old geological mapping and historical reports 08:00 – Why RAB and aircore drilling may not be reliable 09:00 – The role of survey data in updating pit models 09:50 – Classification risks: What happens without verifiable data 10:30 – Density, depletion and due diligence 11:00 – Final advice: Don’t rush in just because gold prices are high 🔗 Subscribe for more insights from Snowden Optiro’s consultants and industry experts. 👍 Like, comment, and share to pass this information on to those who might be interested in this topic. If you would like to contact Susan or Jane: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite 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  https://snowdenoptiro.com/ #GoldProjects #MiningData #ResourceEstimation #QAQC #FreshThinking #SnowdenOptiro #MiningPodcast