In this episode of the Fresh Thinking Podcast, Principal Consultant Matt Walker (now Senior Resource Geologist with Genesis Minerals) sat down with Snowden Optiro's Executive Consultant Ian Glacken to explore the value of mentoring in geoscience.

Ian reflects on the mentors who shaped his long career, the soft and technical skills geologists need today, and his advice for those aspiring to move into resource geology. Whether you're early in your career or guiding the next generation, this conversation offers practical insights, lessons learned, and industry wisdom.

Key Timestamps 1:00 – Ian's early mentors and their influence 5:31 – The importance of soft skills in geology 7:38 – What makes an effective mentor 8:03 – Advice for aspiring resource geologists 10:43 – Essential skills for modern resource geology

If you would like to contact Ian: [email protected]

🎧 Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode!

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally – you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms.

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 advance their projects, mining companies improve their operations, and investors de-risk their investments by providing quality advice, training, and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.

🌐 Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

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 – Python and Datamine: speeding up exploratory data analysis 03:23 – From internal tools to standalone software - developed by our consultants 04:01 – How macros streamline LUC and MIK workflows 07:25 – Why workflow automation matters for small and large projects 08:22 – Macros as an audit trail for peer review and project handovers 08:50 – How to get started writing your first macro 09:51 – Practical advice for beginners in scripting and automation 10:19 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

If you would like to contact Greg or Jenny: [email protected]

🎧 Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode!

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally – you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms.

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 advance their projects, mining companies improve their operations, and investors de-risk their investments by providing quality advice, training, and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.

🌐 Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

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 the idea for the "Interface Challenge" talk came about 1:56 – What is "the interface" between geologists and mining engineers? 2:46 – Why communication breakdowns can impact project success 3:44 – Insights from surveying over 100 professionals 5:00 – What questions were asked in the survey (and how long it really took!) 6:15 – Are geologists and mining engineers aligned – or speaking different languages? 7:30 – The preparation stage: Do geologists and engineers actually talk before modelling? 9:34 – Model handover: why documentation matters 10:43 – What's inside a good resource model (and what's often missing) 12:00 – Advanced estimation methods – how common are they really? 14:24 – Recoverable models and misunderstandings in mine planning 15:44 – Dilution: who's responsible, the geologist or the mining engineer? 17:09 – Surprising results from the survey 18:38 – Why perception gaps exist between the two disciplines 19:45 – Practical steps to improve collaboration and communication

If you would like to contact Tarrant or Susan: [email protected]

Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode!

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Dr Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) and Markus Dammers (Director IPCC & Conveyors, Metso) explore their rapid screening tool designed to speed up evaluation of In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) options.

They discuss how the model helps mining operations quickly assess economic viability, reduce decision uncertainty, and identify where IPCC truly makes sense - saving valuable study time and capital.

If you're in mine planning, haulage optimisation, or exploring electrification and sustainability in mining, this episode is packed with insight.

Key Points & Timeline 1:00 – Why the Paper and Model Were Developed The challenge of evaluating IPCC options and the need for a quick, macro-economic decision framework. 3:30 – Complexity of IPCC Decisions Discussing parameters such as pit depth, relocation timing, and haulage versus conveying trade-offs. 4:00 – Origins of the Rapid Screening Tool How a practical spreadsheet model evolved to assess the feasibility of IPCC across multiple projects. 6:00 – Key Inputs and Parameters Understanding capacity, conveyor length and lift, and the dynamic relationship between truck and conveyor economics. 8:00 – Macro-Economic Viewpoint Why early-stage, big-picture modelling matters for major mine investment decisions. 9:00 – How the Model Works Overview of how the Excel-based tool compares IPCC and trucking using NPV, IRR, and payback calculations. 11:00 – Ore vs Waste Applications How the economics differ when applying IPCC to ore versus waste haulage scenarios. 12:00 – Building Reliable Cost Models Markus explains Metso's structured approach to estimating realistic capital and operating costs for crushers and conveyors. 15:00 – Accounting for Excavation and Ramp Design Tarrant explains the importance of considering excavation and pit geometry in cost evaluation. 17:00 – Case Study Results Findings from applying the tool to typical mining scenarios, comparing ex-pit and in-pit setups. 19:00 – Economic Sensitivities and Insights Discussion of throughput, lift, and distance variables — and how they shape viability. 21:00 – Waste IPCC Economics Why higher capacities and longer distances are needed to make waste IPCC feasible. 23:00 – Future Improvements and Next Steps Potential refinements to the tool and how it could support more dynamic project planning. 2 4:30 – Closing Thoughts How to access or apply the model for your own operation and where to contact the speakers.

If you would like to contact Tarrant or Markus: [email protected]

Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode!

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms.

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/

Metso: Metso is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. Metso's in-pit crush and convey (IPCC) solutions provide the highest energy efficiency and productivity for mine electrification programs. The Metso IPCC portfolio includes crushing, conveying and stacking equipment, which are flexible, modular and designed to be integrated together. For more information: https://www.metso.com/

In 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: [email protected]

Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms – subscribe to never miss an episode!

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

Getting your comminution circuit right is critical for the success of any mining project. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (General Manager, Snowden Optiro) is joined by Dr. Leon Lorenzen (Executive Consultant), who brings over 40 years of experience in processing and plant design.

They explore how to design and optimise SAG, ball, and ultrafine grinding circuits, balancing throughput, recovery, and cost to maximise a project's NPV.

What You'll Learn:

⏱ 00:54 – What is comminution and why it matters in mining ⏱ 02:15 – Typical circuit options: SAG, ball, SABC, IsaMill, HIGmill ⏱ 04:00 – What makes a circuit design "optimal" – technical vs. economic factors ⏱ 05:13 – The impact of grind size on gold recovery and project value ⏱ 07:10 – Life-of-mine considerations for different ore domains ⏱ 08:29 – How Mine-to-Mill blasting strategies affect plant performance ⏱ 10:02 – Examples of comminution circuit design failures and lessons learned ⏱ 12:30 – Final advice for getting comminution design right from the start

If you would like to contact either Tarrant or Leon: [email protected]

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant – Geology, APAC) sits down with Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant - APAC) to explore how mining companies can streamline their resource estimation and grade control workflows.

Gregory explains how complex processes can slow teams down, introduce errors, and create "black box" workflows that are difficult to audit. They discuss practical steps for simplifying and optimising workflows, improving collaboration, and ensuring decisions are transparent and data-driven.

If you've ever struggled with inefficient processes or misclassification in your mineral resource models, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get back to focusing on what matters most: the geology.

Key Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Susan and Greg 0:35 – Why streamlining workflows is critical for mining success 1:45 – Risks of overly complex workflows 2:29 – Key benefits of streamlining: efficiency, quality, collaboration 3:44 – Preventing misclassification with streamlined workflows 4:32 – How errors impact resource models and reserves 5:16 – Practical steps to start streamlining your processes 6:18 – Keeping workflows lean, transparent, and adaptable 6:34 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

If you would like to contact Greg or Susan: [email protected] Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

Small errors in sampling can lead to big consequences in mining.

In this second episode of our three-part series on sampling, Mark Murphy (Manager Geological Services, IGO) and Ian Glacken (Executive Consultant, Snowden Optiro) explore the different types of sampling errors - and how to recognise, minimise, and prevent them.

From unavoidable "correct" errors to preventable "incorrect" errors, they share real-world insights into why understanding sampling is critical for both technical teams and decision-makers.

Whether you're a geologist, mining engineer, or manager, this episode will make you rethink how you approach sampling in your operations.

⏱ Timestamps: 0:08 – Introducing the types of sampling errors 1:11 – What is fundamental sampling error? 3:33 – Grouping and segregation error explained 7:29 – Why most errors happen early in the sampling process 8:38 – Understanding "incorrect" errors and how to avoid them 12:29 – The role of clear procedures and duplicate sampling 14:50 – Why spatial understanding of duplicates matters 15:56 – Replicates vs duplicates: getting the terminology right

If you would like to contact Ian or Mark: [email protected]

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

Join Tarrant Elkington, General Manager of Snowden Optiro, and Scott Carpenter, Director of Technology at Datamine Software, as they explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence in mining.

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, they discuss: The parallels between AI and other disruptive technologies like autonomous haulage. How to navigate the hype cycle and spot real opportunities amidst the noise. The difference between generative AI and agentic AI and what each means for the mining industry. Why human intuition and expertise remain essential in a data-driven future.

Whether you're curious about the future of digital mining or want to understand where AI is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking ideas.

Key Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction and guest background. 01:18 – Setting the stage: AI as the next disruptive technology in mining. 05:14 – Understanding the hype cycle and Amara's Law. 10:06 – Lessons from autonomous haulage systems and parallels to AI adoption. 12:02 – The adjacent possible principle: multiple technologies combining to drive change. 17:05 – Where AI sits in the hype cycle today. 20:01 – Generative AI vs. Agentic AI: key differences and future impact. 24:55 – Why quality data and human expertise are still crucial. 33:21 – Looking ahead: where AI could take resource modelling and mine planning. 37:42 – Closing thoughts and reflections on AI's future in mining.

If you would like to contact Tarrant and Scott: [email protected]

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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.

Datamine is a software solutions business that enables those in the mining industry to confidently make effective strategic, tactical and operational decisions at all stages of the mining process.

For training or consulting enquiries: training(at)snowdenoptiro.com contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Laurie Hassall (Senior Consultant, Geology) and Senzeni Matondi (Principal Consultant, Geology) from Snowden Optiro's UK office explore the fascinating world of silica sands.

Often overlooked, silica sands are vital for producing glass, solar panels, and high-tech products that shape our modern world. Laurie and Senzeni discuss what makes silica sands so unique, how they are processed, and why demand for this industrial mineral is growing.

Whether you work in mining, processing, or downstream industries, this episode provides valuable insights into how silica sands are transforming from a bulk commodity into a critical mineral for the future.

Key Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to the hosts and today's topic 0:48 – What silica sands are and why they matter 2:00 – What sets silica apart from other industrial minerals 3:10 – Purity levels and the critical role of Fe₂O₃ in glass production 5:01 – Key factors for processing silica sands 5:35 – Typical processing pathway explained 7:25 – Resource estimation for silica sand deposits 9:43 – Why silica sands are now seen as a critical mineral 10:38 – The future of silica sands: geometallurgy and sustainability 12:01 – Final thoughts and takeaways

Have a question about silica sands or you'd like to contact Laurie and Senzeni: [email protected]

Explore more: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team.

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other 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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com