Ep 131: Grade Control - at the heart of every successful mine
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
Release Date: 10/07/2025
EP 155 | Part 2 of 7: Recoverable Resource Methods
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by, 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...
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EP 154 | Part 1 of 7: Foundations of Modern Resource Estimation
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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Ep 152: If You Sign It, You Own It: The Reality of Reserve Sign-Off
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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Ep 151: When Bigger Isn’t Better: Rethinking Resource Model Size
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Jamie Oppelaar (Senior Consultant) and Tarrant Elkington (General Manager) discuss a growing challenge in mining: resource models are getting bigger and bigger. More blocks, more attributes, more simulations. While this can improve geological representation, it can also slow down optimisation, scheduling and everyday planning decisions. So how do we strike the right balance between detail and usability? Jamie and Tarrant explore why models are expanding, the practical consequences for engineers, and how geologists and planners can work...
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Ep150: Mineral Resource Estimation: What Really Is “Industry Standard”?
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our General Manager Dr Tarrant Elkington speaks with Senior Consultant Dr Gregory (Greg) Zhang about a common question in the mining industry: what is the real industry standard in mineral resource estimation? Drawing on experience reviewing projects across a range of commodities and deposit types, Greg discusses current practices in data management, QAQC, geological domaining, estimation methods such as kriging, and resource reporting. The conversation also explores how practices are evolving and the emerging role of simulation methods and...
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Ep 149: Building Resource Estimation Logic in Excel
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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EP 148: Simulation Is Not Estimation - rethinking uncertainty in mining
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant) and Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant) discuss one of the most important topics in modern resource modelling: uncertainty. From the long-standing debate of simulation vs estimation, to the growing focus on geological uncertainty and hierarchical truncated plurigaussian simulation, this episode explores where the mining industry stands — and where it still needs to improve. ⏱ Key Topics 00:00 – Introduction: Simulation in mining and why uncertainty matters 01:18 – Simulation vs estimation: what’s the real...
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Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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Ep 134: The Interface Challenge - bridging the gap between geologists and mining engineers
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) joins Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) to explore the all-too-common disconnect between geologists and mining engineers. Tarrant talks about the results from the more than 100 professionals that generously responded to his survey - helping geologists and engineers understand how differences in approach, communication, and expectations can impact project success. Tune in to hear what both sides really think - and how better collaboration can make all the difference. Key Time Points: 0:42 – How...
info_outlineIn this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro, to discuss the crucial role of grade control drilling and modelling.
Grade control may seem like a technical detail, but it sits at the very heart of every successful mining operation. From reducing risk and maximising value, to ensuring accurate sampling and modelling, Ian shares insights from decades of experience helping mines achieve better outcomes.
Whether you're a geologist, mining engineer, or simply curious about how mines make critical decisions, this episode explains why grade control matters and how to get it right.
Key moments:
0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and speakers
1:01 – Why grade control is essential for profitable mining
2:47 – Importance of sampling quality and timing
3:20 – RC drilling vs blast hole drilling: which is best?
4:42 – Underground grade control: diamond drilling and face sampling
6:01 – Common issues with face sampling and how to address them
7:30 – Choosing the right drilling method for your operation
8:27 – How geology influences grade control strategies
8:40 – The JORC Code and reporting requirements for grade control
10:34 – Why grade control isn’t “ground truth” but still vital
12:14 – Final thoughts and takeaways
If you would like to contact Ian or Greg: contact@snowdenoptiro.com
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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.
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