Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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/

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 together to build fit-for-purpose models that support better decisions without unnecessary complexity.

Key moments in this episode 00:00 Introduction: Why resource models keep getting larger 03:40 The three main drivers of model size 07:10 How large models slow optimisation and planning workflows 09:30 When higher resolution models are actually justified 14:20 Practical ways to reduce model size without losing value 20:00 Strategies engineers use to simplify models for optimisation 24:55 The key takeaway: the best model is not the biggest model

If you work with block models, resource estimation, or mine planning, this conversation highlights practical ways to improve workflow efficiency while maintaining the geological detail that matters.

If you would like to contact Tarrant and Jamie: 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/