PODCAST: Politics and Ideology of Resource Estimation (part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-part Politics and Ideology of Resource Estimation podcast series, Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken discusses the history and common practices of resource estimation.

This episode at a glance:

0:42 What are the main estimation methods used in mineral estimation worldwide?
1:33 What is the origin of the term ‘Kriging’?
2:40 There are multiple methods for resource estimation, but why don’t we all use the same one?
4:57 Ordinary Kriging is probably the most popular technique. Why is that?
6:56 Some techniques of resource estimation are controversial, like inverse distance and polygonal methods. Why?
9:40 Now we have better technology than ever before. How does this affect the methods used for resource estimation?
10:51 What is geostatistics and how has it influenced resource estimation?

Would you like to learn more?

1. Monograph 30 – Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimation – The AusIMM Guide to Good Practice – https://ausimm.com/product/monograph-30-mineral-resource-and-ore-reserve-estimation-the-ausimm-guide-to-good-practice/
2. The 5-day Resource Estimation and Evaluation training course.

Other podcasts from Optiro’s Fresh Thinking from the World of Mining series:

1. Top Cuts – Top cutting (or capping) is a method you can use to reduce the impact of individual samples and produce a more accurate picture of what’s in the ground. Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains the method, when it is appropriate and what happens when it’s not used correctly.
2. Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction – Reporting the right information to investors is critical. The three main codes around the world that govern resource estimation and reporting to the market all contain references to RPEEE, or Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction. Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains why the principle is critical to reporting resources.

You can view the Fresh Thinking by Optiro podcasts on:  Spotify   iTunes    Stitcher

About Ian:

Ian Glacken – Director of Geology
BSc (Hons) (Geology), MSc(Mining Geology), DIC, MSc(Geostatistics), Grad Dip Computing, FAusIMM(CP), FAIG, MIMMM, CEng

Ian is a geologist with postgraduate qualifications in geostatistics, mining geology and computing who has more than 35 years’ worldwide experience in the mining industry.

Ian’s skills are in resource evaluation and due diligence reviews, public reporting, training and mentoring, quantitative risk assessment, strategic advice, geostatistics, reconciliation, project management, statutory and competent persons’ reporting and mining geology studies.

Ian has a strong mining production background and is a regular auditor for the world’s largest mining companies.

iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com