Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

Epizode

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  EP 171 | Part 2 of 2: Managing Uncertainty - How Better Grade Control Leads to Better Decisions 19.08.2026 6min

  In Part 2 of our Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro  two-part series, host Melanie Bully is joined by Senzeni Matondi to continue the discussion on why the most expensive mistake in grade control isn't necessarily mining low-grade material — it's making the wrong decision about whether material is ore or waste. Following on from Part 1, this episode explores how mining operations can make better grade control decisions by understanding and managing uncertainty. Melanie and Senzeni discuss why average grade alone doesn't tell the full story, how conditional bias and grade smoothing can affect ore and waste classification, and why local accuracy around the cut-off grade is so important. They also explore grade control as a complete value chain — from sampling, QA/QC and geological logging through to estimation, dig planning, mining execution, stockpile management and mine-to-mill reconciliation. The conversation then turns to modern approaches to uncertainty and risk, including conditional simulation, probability-based ore classification and risk-based digline optimisation. In this episode Melanie and Senzeni discuss: Why two models with similar average grades can deliver very different operational outcomes Conditional bias and the impact of grade smoothing The importance of local accuracy around the cut-off grade How ore loss and dilution result from misclassification • Why reconciliation reflects the performance of the entire grade control system Moving from deterministic estimates to risk-informed decision-making What best-practice grade control looks like at high-performing operations The key message from this two-part series is simple: grade control isn't about producing the perfect block model — it's about consistently making better mining decisions.
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  EP 170 | Part 1 of 2: Why the Most Expensive Mistake in Grade Control Isn't Low Grade 12.08.2026 4min

  What if the most expensive mistake in grade control isn't mining low-grade material — but making the wrong decision about what is ore and what is waste? In this two-part episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senzeni Matondi, Principal Consultant, joins Melanie Bully, Senior Consultant, to explore why grade control is fundamentally a decision-making discipline, not simply a grade estimation exercise.  In Part 1, Senzeni and Melanie unpack the operational and financial consequences of misclassification, including: Ore loss — when valuable material is classified as waste and potentially lost forever Dilution — when waste enters the ore stream, reducing head grade and consuming valuable processing capacity Misclassification — and why it can result from accumulated uncertainty across sampling, geological interpretation, estimation, blast movement, survey accuracy and mining execution Reconciliation — and why poor reconciliation can reflect issues across the entire mining value chain, rather than the resource model alone The key takeaway? A technically sound grade estimate is only useful if it supports the right operational decisions.
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  EP 169 | Why Good Estimates Can Still Produce Poor Reconciliation 06.08.2026 6min

  If your resource model is statistically robust, why doesn't it always reconcile with production? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Melanie Bulley and Senzeni Mandava Matondi explore why good resource estimates can still lead to disappointing reconciliation results. They discuss the impact of grade smoothing, explain the concept of conditional bias, and explore why reproducing the average grade is only part of the story. The conversation also covers practical techniques used by resource geologists to assess estimation performance and improve local predictions that support better mining decisions. Whether you're working in resource estimation, grade control or mine reconciliation, this episode offers practical insights into bridging the gap between statistical accuracy and operational performance.
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  EP 168 | When Geology Isn't Enough - Using Categorical Indicator Kriging to Model Diffuse Mineralisation 29.07.2026 8min

  How do you model mineralisation when geological boundaries aren't clearly defined? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by  @SnowdenOptiro  , Senior Consultant, Melanie Bulley is joined by Principal Consultant, Senzeni Matondi to explore how Categorical Indicator Kriging (CIK) can be used to model diffuse mineralisation more objectively and consistently. The discussion covers: Why traditional wireframing can be challenging in diffuse deposits How probability-based domaining improves consistency The role of CIK in reducing subjectivity Building more robust and defensible resource models Whether you're a resource geologist, geostatistician or mining professional, this episode provides practical insights into one of the industry's most powerful domaining techniques. Subscribe for more conversations on resource estimation, geostatistics and mining best practice from the experts at Snowden Optiro.
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  EP 166 | What Consultants See That Mine Sites Miss: Lessons in Mine-to-Mill Reconciliation 01.07.2026 11min

  What do consultants see that mine sites often miss? In this episode of Fresh Thinking bySnowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves is joined by Ian Glacken to discuss the most common mine-to-mill reconciliation challenges, from stockpile management and siloed teams to understanding variance and improving decision-making. Learn why reconciliation is more than a monthly report—it's a powerful tool for improving mine performance.
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  EP 164 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: Which Commodities Matter Most? 29.05.2026 5min

  Which commodities matter most in the global race for critical and strategic minerals? In this episode of  @SnowdenOptiro  Fresh Thinking podcast, Senzeni Mandava Matondi is joined by Julian Aldridge and Laurie Hassall to explore the commodities that consistently appear on critical minerals lists around the world and the factors driving their importance. The discussion examines key battery minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite, alongside rare earth elements, tungsten and aluminium. The team also explores how geopolitical considerations, supply chain security and processing capability influence whether a mineral is considered critical or strategic. Topics covered include: The common commodities found on national critical minerals lists The growing importance of rare earths and tungsten Why aluminium is increasingly viewed as both critical and strategic How Indonesia's nickel production is influencing global markets China's role in downstream processing and critical mineral supply chains The relationship between resource availability, processing capacity and strategic importance
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  EP 163 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: What's the Difference? 29.05.2026 10min

  What makes a mineral critical? What makes it strategic? And why are governments around the world racing to secure supplies of certain commodities? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro , Senzeni Mandava Matondi, Julian Aldridge, and Laurie Hassell explore the growing importance of critical and strategic minerals in today's economy. From copper, lithium and rare earth elements to gallium and germanium minerals, the discussion examines how countries define these resources and why those definitions matter. The team explores: The difference between critical and strategic minerals Why supply risk matters The role of minerals in national security and defence Food security and fertiliser-related commodities How critical mineral lists differ between countries The influence of processing capability and intellectual property The minerals driving the energy transition
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  EP 162 | AI in Mining: Tool or Threat to Geologists? 29.05.2026 22min

  Will AI replace geologists? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by  @SnowdenOptiro , we explore how artificial intelligence is being used across the mining industry, from exploration targeting and core logging to resource estimation and technical reporting. Our team discusses the opportunities AI presents, its current limitations, and why geological expertise, judgement and accountability remain critical in mining workflows.
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  EP 161 | Private vs Public Mining Companies: CRIRSCO Compliance Explained 28.05.2026 13min

  What are the key differences between private mining companies and publicly listed mining companies when it comes to project development, risk, and reporting? In this episode of ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬ 's Fresh Thinking podcast, Senior Consultant, Laurie Hassall speaks with Managing Consultant, Julian Aldridge, about how private companies approach mining project economics compared with companies reporting under the CRIRSCO framework. The discussion covers: CRIRSCO Code compliance and disclosure requirements Investor protection and technical defensibility Resource and reserve classification Mining project economics and financing strategies Risk appetite in private vs public companies ESG considerations in modern mining projects How reporting standards influence mine development decisions This episode provides valuable insight for mining professionals, investors, geologists, engineers, and anyone involved in mineral resource development and project evaluation.
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  EP 157 | Part 4 of 7: Localised Conditional Simulation 01.05.2026 10min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken and Susan Havlin explore localised conditional simulation (LCS) and its role in modern resource estimation workflows. Building on earlier discussions around estimation methods, recoverable resources, and conditional simulation, this episode brings everything together to explain how LCS converts multiple simulation realisations into a single, practical block model—while preserving realistic grade variability.  Key topics include:  What localized conditional simulation is and why it matters How localization transforms multiple realizations into a single model The role of the E-type estimate in ranking and distribution Differences between LCS and traditional ordinary kriging How LCS supports recoverable resource estimation at the SMU scale The origins of localization and its relationship to methods like uniform conditioning and MIK
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  EP 156 | Part 3 of 7: Conditional Simulation 01.05.2026 12min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬, Susan Havlin and Ian Glacken explore the fundamentals of conditional simulation and its role in modelling grade variability and uncertainty in mineral resource estimation. They discuss how simulation differs from traditional methods like kriging and uniform conditioning, why capturing uncertainty is critical for modern mining decisions, and how multiple realizations can provide valuable insight into upside and downside risk.  The conversation also touches on practical challenges, including reporting to the market and integrating uncertainty into mine planning workflows.
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  EP 159 | Part 6 of 7: How Simulation Influences Mine Planning Decisions 29.04.2026 11min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro, Susan Havlin speaks with Tarrant Elkington about the mine planning implications of simulation. The conversation explores: Why resource models are fundamental to mine planning and project evaluation The impact of grade variability and smoothing on mine planning outcomes How LCS compares with conventional estimation methods such as Ordinary Kriging The operational implications of dilution, ore loss and mining selectivity How simulation-based approaches can support risk-aware and stochastic mine planning Why LCS can integrate into existing mine planning workflows This episode is the sixth in our seven-part series exploring recoverable resource estimation, simulation and uncertainty in mineral resource modelling.
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  EP 158 | Part 5 of 7: Understanding Uncertainty in Mineral Resource Estimation 29.04.2026 13min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬, Susan Havlin and Ian Glacken discuss uncertainty in mineral resource estimation and how Localised Conditional Simulation (LCS) provides a more practical framework for analysing geological risk and variability. The conversation explores: Conditional simulation and uncertainty Resource classification Simulation versus kriging Risk-qualified mine planning Why preserving variability matters Listen now to learn how modern geostatistical approaches are shaping the future of resource estimation.
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  EP 167 | Behind the Paper: Enhancing Underground Mine Reconciliation 29.04.2026 16min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken and Rayleen Hargreaves discuss their conference paper, "Enhancing Underground Mine Reconciliation: A Unified F and R Series Framework," co-authored with Tarrant Elkington and Arja Jewbali and presented at the AusIMM International Mining Geology Conference 2026 in Brisbane in April. The conversation explores the challenges of applying traditional mine reconciliation frameworks to underground mining operations and introduces the R Series as an extension of the established F Series framework. Ian and Rayleen discuss why resource-to-reserve reconciliation matters, the importance of a common volume approach, and how improved reconciliation can increase confidence in resource models, modifying factors and production outcomes. Topics covered include: The F Series and R Series reconciliation frameworks Why underground mine reconciliation is more complex than open pit reconciliation The concept of a common volume for meaningful reconciliation Insights from the Newmont Tanami case study Resource, reserve and production reconciliation Practical recommendations for improving underground reconciliation practices
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  EP 160 | Part 7 of 7: Case Study - Applying Localised Conditional Simulation at Bullabulling 29.04.2026 17min

  In the final episode of our 7-part series on recoverable resources and localised conditional simulation (LCS), Susan Havlin from ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬ is joined by Bruce Kendall, Technical Advisor at Minerals 260, to discuss the application of LCS at the Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia. The episode explores: Why Minerals 260 moved beyond traditional ordinary kriging methods How LCS was used to better represent grade variability and uncertainty The impact on resource modelling, mine planning, and grade control Why approaches like LCS may become increasingly important for low-grade, variable deposits
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  EP 165 | Where Geology Meets Engineering: The Role of Geotechnical Core Logging 29.04.2026 11min

  In this episode of Snowden Optiro's Fresh Thinking Podcast, Hamish Guthrie speaks with Principal Geotechnical Engineer Ezilma Dias about the role of geotechnical core logging in mine design, ground stability and risk management. Learn why quality core logging is fundamental to understanding rock mass behaviour and making informed engineering decisions in both open pit and underground mining operations.
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  EP 155 | Part 2 of 7: Recoverable Resource Methods 15.04.2026 11min

  In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , we explore recoverable resource methods and how they help bridge the gap between resource models and what is actually mined. We discuss key approaches used across the industry, including Uniform Conditioning (UC) and Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK), outlining how they address grade smoothing and improve predictions at the mining scale. We also cover the strengths and limitations of these methods, particularly their reliance on variograms and their inability to capture uncertainty. This episode sets the stage for the next discussion on conditional simulation, where uncertainty and variability can be modeled more effectively. Topics covered: What are recoverable resources? Why traditional estimation methods fall short Uniform Conditioning (UC) explained Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) explained Strengths and limitations of recoverable resource methods Subscribe for more insights on geostatistics, resource estimation, and mining best practices. Subscribe to Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro for more insights on geostatistics, resource estimation, and mining best practices.
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  EP 154 | Part 1 of 7: Foundations of Modern Resource Estimation 04.04.2026 10min

  Episode 154 of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro kicks off a 7-part series on modern resource estimation. In this episode, we cover the fundamentals of ordinary kriging, its strengths and limitations, and introduce key concepts like grade smoothing, SMU, and recoverable resources. Featuring Ian Glacken and Susan Havlin.
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  EP 153: The Genesis of Australia's Nickel Industry 04.04.2026 11min

  Discover the fascinating origins of Australia's nickel industry in this episode of Fresh Thinking by ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬. Principal Consultant, Jan Graham, sits down with Executive Consultant, Ian Glacken, to explore the pivotal moment that sparked it all—the discovery of nickel at Kambalda in 1966. From early prospecting and geological insight to rapid development and industry-wide impact, this story highlights the role of luck, lateral thinking, and persistence in shaping one of Australia's most significant mining sectors. Learn how a single drill hole, KD1, transformed Western Mining Corporation and led to decades of nickel production across Australia.  If you enjoy mining history, geology, and industry insights, don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow Fresh Thinking by ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬ .
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  Ep 152: If You Sign It, You Own It: The Reality of Reserve Sign-Off 18.03.2026 17min

  What does it really mean to sign off on a mineral reserve? In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Allan Earl (Executive Consultant Mining) to discuss the real responsibility behind reserve sign-off and what it takes to stand behind it with confidence.  From understanding the full value chain to applying critical review across technical inputs, this conversation explores where things can go wrong, and how to avoid it. If you're working towards becoming a Competent Person, or already signing off on reserves, this is well worth a listen. Key moments: 01:14 – What "signing off" actually means 02:23 – Who should be the Competent Person 03:47 – What you're truly responsible for 05:30 – What a "critical review" really involves 08:45 – Where people get it wrong 11:07 – Should you be signing off? 15:36 – Final takeaway: ownership and accountability If you would like to contact Tarrant and Allan: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 🎧 Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel. 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. Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/