Ep 124: Stochastic Mine Planning - Evolving approaches to manage uncertainty
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
Release Date: 08/21/2025
Ep 152: If You Sign It, You Own It: The Reality of Reserve Sign-Off
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
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...
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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
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) speaks with Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant APAC) about using Excel as a transparent learning environment for geostatistics. Rather than relying on black-box software, they explore how building the logic step by step in a spreadsheet can strengthen intuition, improve data discipline and deepen technical confidence. Whether you are a geologist, resource modeller or mining professional wanting to better understand what sits behind the software, this episode breaks down the thinking that underpins robust estimation....
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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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Ep 138: From Scoping to Feasibility: How to nail cost estimation at every stage
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant – Mining) joins Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant – Geology) to explore the fundamentals of cost estimation across the mining study pipeline. Hamish shares practical insights from his more than 30 years in the industry, including the importance of understanding project scale and matching the level of effort to the study stage. If you’re involved in study work, project evaluation, cost modelling or operational planning, this conversation will give you clear, practical guidance you can apply straight...
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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...
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EP 136: Why Smart Geologists Script Their Way to Better Estimates
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory (Greg) Zhang and Jenny Dalrymple, both Senior Consultants at Snowden Optiro, share how automation and scripting can transform the mineral resource estimation process - saving time, improving accuracy, and creating an auditable, repeatable workflow. From Python scripting and macros to block model estimation and LUC workflows, Greg and Jenny explain how practical automation can make complex resource estimation tasks far more efficient. ⏱️ This podcast at a glance: 00:41 – Using scripting to automate mineral resource estimation 02:18 –...
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EP 133: Cleaner, Quieter, Safer: Why Underground Mining Is Going Electric
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro podcast episode, Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant APAC) chats with Sarah de Vries (Principal Consultant Mining) about the fast-evolving world of underground mine electrification. Sarah explains how battery-electric vehicles are transforming the way underground operations are powered — cutting diesel emissions, reducing heat and noise, and improving safety for mine workers. From cost savings to cleaner air, they explore why the move to electric isn’t just about decarbonisation — it’s about designing smarter, more efficient mines for the...
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Ep 132: Grade Control - the key to reliable reconciliation
Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro
In this episode of Fresh Thinking, our host Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant - a leading expert in grade control and reconciliation. They explore why reconciliation is fundamental to every mine, how grade control fits into the mine value chain, and what makes accurate modelling essential for achieving reliable results. Key Time Stamps 0:46 – What is Reconciliation and Why It Matters Ian explains why reconciliation is fundamental to every mining operation and what makes it complex and critical. 1:31 – The Role of the Grade Control Model Discussion on how grade...
info_outlineStochastic 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.
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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/