Ep 115: What Resource Geologists Need to Know About Mine Planning. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

What separates a good resource estimate from a risky one? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Snowden Optiro’s Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Bob Jankovic discuss the hard-won lessons of resource estimation. From understanding mineralisation trends to the art (and science) of capping, they explore what really matters when building confidence in your numbers. With decades of operational, financial, and geological experience between them, Ian and Bob share war stories and insights that every geologist, estimator, and investor should hear. Whether you're a resource geologist, a mining executive, or just curious how models turn into mines... this episode is for you.  Episode Highlights & Timestamps 1:12 – Why good geology is always step one 2:00 – The hidden weakness: poor analysis of grade population 2:54 – “Push-button” modelling and what it misses 4:01 – Lessons from Detour Gold 5:09 – Capping gone wrong: real examples and consequences 6:30 – The problem with grade shells that ignore geology 7:43 – Is search-radius capping a solution or a trap? 9:02 – Why operational experience sharpens estimation instincts 10:00 – Getting composite length right (and why defaults don’t work) 11:06 – Domains, domains, domains: the heart of good estimation 12:04 – Gold price surges, rushed feasibility studies, and risky shortcuts 13:10 – When prices drop, your resource estimate better hold up 13:47 – Wrapping up: optimism about the next generation in mining 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes 👍 Like, comment, and share to pass this information on to those who might be interested in this topic. If you would like to contact Ian and Bob: 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 and contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com https://snowdenoptiro.com/

In this episode, Dr Gregory Zhang (Resource Geologist) is joined by Hamish Guthrie (Mining Engineer) to explore how resource geologists can better understand and contribute to mine planning. From the importance of resource classification to the value of including waste domain data, Hamish shares insights from over 25 years of experience in mining operations and consulting. They also discuss the benefits of adding more geological detail - even in early-stage projects - and how small decisions in modelling can have major downstream implications. Whether you're a resource geologist, mine planner, or simply curious about how modelling feeds into real-world mining strategies, this episode offers practical takeaways and fresh thinking. Key Points Covered 00:04 – Introduction 01:05 – The typical workflow of mine planning 02:00 – Why modifying factors and mining constraints matter 03:01 – Resource classifications: how confidence impacts planning 05:00 – Adding more detail to the resource model: is it worth it? 06:00 – Should we model waste domains? 07:25 – What mine planners really want from geologists 08:30 – Including depletion, sterilised zones and geotechnical data 09:30 – ESG and the importance of understanding waste rock behaviour 10:00 – Geological inputs that influence plant performance 11:00 – Why even limited early data is valuable 11:40 – Final thoughts and podcast close 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes 👍 Like, comment, and share to pass this information on to those who might be interested in this topic. If you would like to contact Greg and Hamish: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more straight-talking episodes from the world of mining and geology. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite podcast platforms. 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  and  contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com https://snowdenoptiro.com/

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Senior Mining Consultant Pedro Ladeira sits down with Snowden Optiro General Manager Tarrant Elkington to explore the real value behind variable cutoff grades in mine planning. From NPV optimisation to stockpiling strategies and the practical challenges of implementation, this conversation is packed with insights that can help elevate your project’s performance. Whether you're planning an open pit or underground mine, this episode unpacks how dynamic cutoff strategies can unlock significant long-term value - sometimes increasing NPV by 20% or more. Key Moments: 0:34 – What is a marginal vs. optimised cutoff grade?  1:57 – Why higher cutoffs can increase NPV 3:59 – Open pit vs. underground implications 6:02 – The role of opportunity cost and processing constraints 8:46 – Costs and downsides of elevating cutoff grades 12:14 – Life-of-mine length and its influence on optimisation 16:03 – Stockpiling as a strategic asset 19:04 – Real-world impact: 20% NPV uplift 20:26 – Operational challenges and practical implementation Takeaway: Cutoff grade optimisation isn’t just a technical tweak - it’s a powerful lever for mine value that deserves more attention in strategic planning. If you would like to contact Tarrant and Pedro: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more straight-talking episodes from the world of mining and geology. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite platforms. 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 Training: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/

In this episode, our Perth based Managing Consultant Susan Havlin chats with our Principal Consultant Jane Levett about some of the common misconceptions that crop up in resource estimation. From domaining to density to classification confidence - it’s all on the table. If you’ve ever wondered why your model didn’t quite hold up under scrutiny, or why 10x10 drilling doesn’t automatically mean measured, this one’s for you. If you’re a resource geologist, investor, or anyone who’s ever looked at a model and thought “is that really right?” - this one’s worth a listen. In this episode:  Why domaining is still critical — and why software can’t always do the thinking for you How over-relying on grade shells can send you down the wrong path The myth of “one density sample per domain” Why classification is about more than just drill spacing How ignoring geological controls can throw your whole model off What kriging metrics and estimation quality can (and can’t) tell you Don’t forget to Subscribe for more straight-talking episodes from the world of mining and geology. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts are available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite platforms.  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/professional-development/ #FreshThinking #SnowdenOptiro #GeologyPodcast #ResourceEstimation #MiningGeology #JORC #Geostats #Domaining #MiningData #MineralResources

With more than 35 years of industry experience, Bob Jankovic our Snowden Optiro Executive Consultant brings first-hand insights from both the mining and banking sides of the table - mining companies and the capital markets. Together, our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Bob discuss the value investment banks add to project development, the skills technical professionals bring to finance, and how junior miners can attract the right kind of attention.  Whether you’re an executive, a consultant, or just curious about how major mining projects get funded, this episode has something for you. Key Moments 00:04 – Introduction and welcome 01:06 – What do investment banks actually do in mining? 02:58 – The technical expertise needed in investment banking 04:50 – The value investment banks bring to project development 06:30 – Equity vs. M&A: How banks support mining at different stages 08:00 – The link between technical confidence and funding success 09:04 – How junior miners can engage investment banks 10:35 – Do investors really understand mining? (Spoiler: Yes!) 12:00 – Lessons from working on both sides—operations and banking 13:15 – Final thoughts and why operational experience matters Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and click the 🔔 notification bell to stay updated with more technical insights from the world of mining. If you would like to contact either Tarrant or Bob: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcasts are available as audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite platforms - and also available as a video podcast on YouTube on our Snowden Optiro 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/professional-development/ #MiningFinance #InvestmentBanking #MiningIndustry #FreshThinkingPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #JuniorMiners #MiningInsights #ProjectFunding #CapitalMarkets

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our General Manager Tarrant Elkington is joined by our Principal Consultant Matt Walker to explore what really goes into ASX announcements of Mineral Resource Estimates (MREs). They discuss the minimum reporting requirements under the JORC Code, the role of the Competent Person, and common red flags to watch for - such as unconstrained estimates, overuse of superlatives, and misleading imagery. Whether you're a geologist, mining professional, or investor, this episode offers practical insights into how MREs are prepared, reported, and interpreted - it will help you to... read between the lines! This podcast at a glance: 00:04 – Introduction and episode focus – MREs in ASX announcements 01:14 – Guest introduction: Matt Walker and his experience with MREs 01:47 – Minimum requirements for reporting an MRE under JORC Code 03:08 – ASX Listing Rules and mandatory disclosure elements 05:00 – Continuous disclosure and minimum vs best practice 06:23 – When and why MREs are announced 08:12 – Red flags and what geologists look for in MREs 10:10 – Peer comparisons, competent person styles, and report 'fingerprints' 11:00 – Internal vs external resource reporting 13:00 – Importance of resource constraint and economic extraction 15:05 – Reading resource classifications and visual representations 17:18 – Use of gram-metres and understanding deposit width 18:03 – Why classification matters – insights from the Parker Challenge 19:31 – Interpolation vs extrapolation in block models 21:00 – Classification confidence and converting to reserves 22:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts If you would like to contact Tarrant or Matt: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. This audio podcast is also available as a free YouTube podcast: https://youtu.be/mRu7ufdck78 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 Prodessional Development courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/

What do banks look for before funding a mining project? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington is joined by our Executive Consultant Bob Jankovic to explore the technical side of mining finance. With over 35 years’ experience across North and South America, and deep expertise inside major banks, Bob offers a rare look behind the scenes of what lenders expect from feasibility studies, resource models, and risk assessments. Whether you're preparing to raise capital or just curious about the lending landscape, this is a must-listen for anyone involved in mine development. If you would like to contact Tarrant or Bob: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry. This video podcast is also available as a video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JfxD5z0QXZU?feature=shared 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...

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...  

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/    

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