In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Consultant Frank Blanchfield delve into effective management of mining studies. They explore the purpose of mining studies, essential success factors, the timing of supporting studies, and practical tips for navigating the entire process. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 Purpose of doing mining studies 02:10 Key aspects of a successful mining study 04:55 Logistics and timing of supporting studies 09:00 Types of mining studies beyond scoping, pre-feasibility, and feasib ..read more

In this episode, our experts Tarrant Elkington, General Manager, and Sarah de Vries, Principal Consultant, discuss the latest advancements in underground mine electrification, including emerging technologies, ventilation and health benefits, economic considerations, and the challenges of transitioning to battery-electric equipment in mining operations. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 What is mine electrification? 01:45 What are some of the newer technologies for mine electrification? 03:15 Is it possible to remove almost all diesel from an underground mine? 04:15Wh ..read more

In this episode, Julian Aldridge, Managing Consultant - EMEAA, and Laurie Hassall, Senior Consultant, discuss the critical factors and strategies for managing mining operations near cut-off grades, focusing on efficiency and optimisation. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:50 Challenges Near the Cut-Off Grade 02:50 Managing Dilution 04:20 Role of Grade Control 06:00 Cost Implications of Mining Near Cut-Off Grades 07:12 Innovative Solutions Join our experts as they explore the topic of Cut-off Grades in the episode 87 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to connec ..read more

In this episode, Danny Tolmer, Regional Manager - North America, and Gordon Webb, Senior Consultant - Mining, explore the critical aspects of open pit mine planning, focusing on pit phasing strategies, optimisation techniques, and the challenges involved in designing efficient, cost-effective phases. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction to Open Pit Mine Planning and Pit Phasing 01:30 Overview of Open Pit Mine Planning Process 04:10 Explanation of Phases and Their Importance 05:30 Criteria for Choosing Phases 06:50 Sizing Each Phase 09:00 Challenges in Phase Design 10:30 T ..read more

In this episode, Julian Aldridge, Managing Consultant - EMEAA and Laurie Hassall - Senior Consultant, explore how cut-off grades determine mining profitability by separating ore from waste based on costs and market factors. This podcast episode at a glance:  000:05 Introduction 00:15 Definition of cut-off grade 01:00 Impact of extraction costs on cut-off grade 02:30 Other variables affecting cut-off grade 03:20 Inclusion of capex in cut-off grade 03:50 Types of cut-off grades 04:36 Calculating cut-off grade for polymetallic ores 06:40 Role of recovery rates in dynamic cut-off grade Join o ..read more

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as he delves into the intricacies of geometallurgical data and modeling. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:15 Geometallurgical data usage 01:25 Modelling geological variability 02:35 Estimating processing metrics in block models 04:16 Assessing reliability in predictions Join our expert as he explores the topic of 'Geometallurgical Modelling' in the episode 84 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.  If you'd like to connect with Laurie, please reach out to them at contact@sno ..read more

In this episode, our experts Tarrant Elkington, General Manager and Susan Havlin, Managing Consultant - Geology, take a deeper dive into mineral resource reviews, focusing on all the important processes and considerations that enhance the accuracy and reliability of mineral resource models. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 01:30 Mineral Resource Review of Data  02:45 Reviewing QAQC practices 03:45 Issues found in geological interpretation 04:15 Reasons for not considering geology 05:40 Key aspects of geostatistics 06:30 Focus ..read more

In this episode, our experts provide an overview of mineral resource reviews, discussing key processes and considerations for reviewing and improving the accuracy and reliability of mineral resource models. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, with Part 2 diving deeper into each process in detail. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:55 Experience in reviewing resources 01:15 Key aspects of resource reviews 02:05 Purpose of resource reviews 03:20  Process involved in resource reviews 04:10 Key elements to look for in a resource review 05:15 Typical outcomes of a resourc ..read more

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as he explores the historym origins and importance of geometallurgy in optimising metal extraction and reducing risk. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:21 Definition of Geometallurgy 01:50 History of Geometallurgy 03:10 Why Geometallurgy is popular now 05:20 Geological variability consequences 05:45 Importance of Geometallurgy Join our experts as they explore the topic of 'The History and Origins of Geometallurgy' in the episode 81 of the Fresh Thinking podcast. If you'd like to c ..read more

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Senior Geology Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang as they discuss how resource estimation methods impact mine planning and what mining engineers should know about understanding estimation models and their limitations. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  00:45 Motivation for discussing resource geology and mine planning  03:00 Common issues with resource models for mine planners  03:45 Limitations of resource models 06:45 Overview of resource estimation methods 07 ..read more