PODCASTS: Fresh Thinking – technical podcasts for the mining industry.

Our aim is to offer interesting technical podcasts with a fresh take on the world of geology and mining.

Our technical podcast series titled Fresh Thinking by Optiro is available for free on Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and our Optiro website.

EPISODE 37: Classifying Mineral Resources – the search for objectivity.  Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
The JORC code does many things, but it doesn’t prescribe how to consistently classify resources. Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains some of the techniques available to ensure consistency in this fifth part of the mini-series on the JORC code.
This episode at a glance:
1:22 When the JORC code is described as being principles-based, what does that mean?
3:16 So contrasting to other codes around the world, the JORC code is a good one, right?
4:33 Why can the JORC code be an issue for large companies?
5:39 What are some of the techniques for getting a more objective classification?
6:30 Is there a standard for objective resource classification? (90/15 rule)
11:16 Where can you get more information on this?
PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST ON GOOGLE PODCASTS.
For more information:
H M Parker and C E Dohm, 2014. Evolution of Mineral Resource Classification from 1980 to 2014 and Current Best Practice. Finex 2014 Julius Wernher Lecture

EPISODE 36: ASX Market Releases – what could possibly go wrong! Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
There are plenty of ways to get it wrong and having to retract your ASX market release is best avoided. Ian Glacken explains how to stay compliant to the rules in this fourth part in the mini-series on the JORC code.
This episode at a glance:
1:16 What’s the general approach for resource and reserve market releases?
4:20 How does our process in Australia compare to the codes in other markets?
5:43 What sort of errors we do see with releases of exploration results?
9:01 What about the errors we see with the release of resource information?
10:27 There are many issues related to studies for ore reserve declarations, right?
12:55 What about the market comparisons companies make with their peers?
16:17 Where can you find out more about this?
PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST ON GOOGLE PODCASTS.

EPISODE 35: Table 1: Obligations – Misconceptions – Protection.  Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Podcasts in the time of COVID-19. This is our first podcast recorded with our host Adam Mullet and speaker Ian Glacken in different locations. In this podcast, Ian talks about Table 1 of the JORC code, why it is there, misconceptions about it and how it can protect investors.
This episode at a glance:
0:57 Table 1 and the ASX listing rules – what are your obligations?
1:45 What are the rules regarding Table 1 and when does it need to get completed?
2:27 “If not, why not?” – what does this mean?
3:50 If I have generated a mineral resource estimate, do I need to fill out Section 2 of Table 1?
5:50 What’s the relationship between Table 1 and the ASX listing rules?
8:39 What do you think the regulators want to see?
10:51 This is complicated. Does anyone actually look at Table 1?
12:35 Where should we look for more information on Table 1?
For more information:
JORC Code
JORC Table 1: Just answer the question! (2016) Sterk, R. RSC Consulting
Ian Glacken iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com

EPISODE 34: Metal equivalents – acceptable, if you follow the rules. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Reporting your resource using metal equivalents is acceptable practice, if you follow the rules. In this episode, the second in a mini-series about misinterpretation of the JORC code, Ian explains where miners are getting it wrong and potentially misreporting the value of their commodities.
This episode at a glance:
0:58 What happens if a competent person misinterprets or misreports something to the market?
2:18 What is a metal equivalent and why are we talking about it in this context?
6:00 Metal equivalents aren’t necessarily a bad thing though right? Why should companies do it?
7:08 What is an NSR (Net Smelter Return) equivalent?
8:40 What are the rules for metal equivalents in the JORC code?
11:12 Why do we see abuses of the rules and then subsequent retractions in the market?
14:34 What should investors look out for in market releases?
16:08 Where can listeners get more information?

EPISODE 33: RPEEE – is all hope lost? Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Recent research undertaken by Ian Glacken, shows there are a number of reports on resources being made to the market that are based on tenuous assumptions. This episode is part of a mini series on misinterpretations of the JORC code.
This episode at a glance:
1:03 Is RPEEE hopeless?
2:08 What does ‘reasonable’ mean, actually?
2:51 What about ‘eventual’ and ‘economic’?
4:16 Are we effectively defining ore reserves at the resource stage now?
6:03 What’s causing you to be less optimistic about RPEEE now?
9:27 We can see people sidestepping the rules – why are we seeing people get away with it?
11:29 We’re looking for a level playing field. What can we do to bring resource reporting in line with the code?
13:51 How can people get a hold of your paper that was presented at the conference?

EPISODE 32: The Resource Model “sniff test”. Speaker: Mark Drabble – Principle Consultant. mdrabble@snowdenoptiro.com Geology service
Now that you’ve built up your resource model from the data it’s time to submit it to the Bernard Schneider test. Optiro’s Principal Geologist Mark Drabble explains some of the checks you need to perform to ensure your modelling is correct.
This episode at a glance:
0:49 What are some of the key issues you’ve seen in resource models?
6:05 How can we avoid coming out with “bollocks” in our models?
9:09 If you want to keep your models accurate, what are some of the techniques you can use?
13:50 What should we do with our validated models, now that we have them?

EPISODE 31: From Data to Resource Model. Speaker: Mark Drabble – Principle Consultant. mdrabble@snowdenoptiro.com Geology service
Interpreting data can be a daunting task and ‘good luck’ probably isn’t enough to get you through! So Optiro’s Principal Geologist Mark Drabble shares tips on how to get to the right answers in your resource models.
This episode at a glance:
0:45 Five years before using a computer to model!
2:11 Are graduate geologists spending much time in the field learning how to collect data?
4:06 How should you get started in resource modelling?
6:45 What do I need to understand about the JORC code and materiality?
8:35 How can people check the database they are working with for errors?
13:15 What does visualisation mean?
16:53 We haven’t even started digitising, what are the things you need to do here?
22:04 Draw your concept – use a pencil!
24:12 Ok you’ve got shapes now – is this a model?

EPISODE 30: Bulk Assaying Techniques. Speakers: Dr Simon Dominy – Executive Consultant, and Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services s.dominy@e3geomet.com
Choosing the right technique to analyse your samples is an important decision and new technology is changing the game. Dr Simon Dominy joins Ian Glacken, Director of Geology at Optiro, to discuss new techniques including photon assay.
This episode at a glance:
0:44 What do we mean by ‘bulk’ assaying?
2:05 Why use BLEG or leachwell?
4:31 Why is photon assay a breakthrough?
6:52 What other bulk assaying techniques should we be aware of?
9:58 Where can we go for more information?

EPISODE 29:  Bulk Sampling for Resource Validation. Part 1 of 2 part series. Speakers: Dr Simon Dominy – Executive Consultant, and Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Bulk sampling can help you get a more accurate idea of how much ore there is to be mined, but you need to have the scale to do it and know when it is appropriate. Dr Simon Dominy joins Ian Glacken to discuss this topic.
This episode at a glance:
1:07 Why do we need to do bulk sampling?
2:12 How do you define a bulk sample?
2:42 What are the key elements of a bulk sampling campaign?
4:28 What does bulk sampling cost?
5:08 What are some example projects that you’ve worked on?
6:20 What is a Nelson or Acacia reactor?
7:42 How do you know a bulk sample is appropriate?
8:48 What is the view on ore sorting? Can it be useful at a production scale?
10:08 Where can listeners go for more information?

EPISODE 28: Travel Tales of a Geologist – Final of the 4-part series. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Traveling the world visiting mines, Ian has encountered extremes in weather, altitude and travel. In this final part of the travel tales series, Ian talks about nearly got frostbite in the most unlikely of countries and about potholes big enough to swallow a car.
This episode at a glance:
1:10 What has been the hottest and coldest places you’ve been as a travelling geologist?
4:05 Frostbite in Morocco (almost)
5:52 What is the highest mine above sea level you’ve ever been to?
7:35 Where have the longest road trips been?
10:10 Air travel surely features heavily in the life of a travelling geologist?
12:17 Are you going to keep travelling?

EPISODE 27: The travel tales of a geologist – Part 3 of 4. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
The best jobs can be on the worst trips and the worst jobs in the best places. In part 3 of this 4 part series on travel, Director of Geology at Optiro Ian Glacken tells us about some of the worst places he’s been to and yet still managing to enjoy some of the world’s most rugged beauty.
This episode at a glance:
1:23 Where is the worst place you’ve been to as a consultant?
4:23 What are some other unfavourable places you’ve visited?
5:21 What about the other perils of travelling like diseases and food poisoning?
6:45 Make us want to be a geologist – surely not all travel is bad?
7:51 Bullet proof cars in Colombia
9:52 Mad Max beauty in Namibia

EPISODE 26: The travel tales of a geologist – Part 2 of 4. Speaker: Ian Glacken. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
Seeing the world as a consultant geologist can take you to interesting places, but some are a little too exciting to experience twice! Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken recalls some stories including escaping a revolution, meeting Danie Krige on a pile of gold bars and having his clothes eaten by goats.
This episode at a glance:
1:00 Following C tutoring from Larry Page at Stanford, where did you travel next?
2:40 What were your first trips as a consultant geologist like?
4:57 Meeting the guys from Bre-X
6:15 Escaping a revolution
8:01 Where do you go most frequently in the mining world?
9:14 What happened on your first trip to Africa?
10:10 Meeting Danie Krige
11:18 Clothes for goats in Burkina Faso

EPISODE 25: The travels of a geologist. Part 1 of 4. Speaker: Ian Glacken. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
If you want to see the world you needn’t join the navy: geologists get to see the world and quite frequently, too. Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken tells some stories about his early travels and what he learned, including honing his C programming skills with a young Google CEO Larry Page and meeting up with the then not so famous Tiger Woods and Condoleezza Rice.
This episode at a glance:
1:05 Does working as a geologist lead to a lot of travel?
2:30 Is the travel enjoyable?
3:14 Was there much travel in the early years of your career?
11:43 Studying geostatistics at Stanford University and both meeting and working with people who went on to make names for themselves around the world.

EPISODE 24: Geological interpretation and modelling. Speaker: Mark Drabble. mdrabble@snowdenoptiro.com Geology services
Should geochemistry be used more than structure? How can you get a 3D picture of a resource? And what are “coloured shapes around coloured numbers”? Optiro’s Principal Consultant Mark Drabble joins Fresh Thinking to give an overview of geological interpretation and modelling.
This episode at a glance:
0:57 What is geological interpretation?
2:31 Why is it so important?
3:28 How do geologists interpret the information they see?
4:29 What are “coloured shapes around coloured numbers?”
7:22 What is the best way to take all the data into account?
9:09 You say it’s hard to understand the house if you’re looking through the letterbox down the hallway – what do you mean by this?
10:49 So you take a step back and look at the asset as a whole?
11:40 Do you think geochemistry is used more than structure?
13:05 How do you find the balance in your approach?
14:19 How can companies get better value from the information they collect?
15:56 When have you used these approaches in the field?
Would you like to learn more? Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling course
Deposit-scale structural controls on orogenic gold deposits: an integrated, physical process–based hypothesis and practical targeting implications.

EPISODE 23: Recoverable Resources (Part 2 of 2). Speakers: Ian Glacken and David Barry. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services;  barry@geovariances.com
In part two of this two-part series, Senior Geostatistician at Geovariances, David Barry, and Director of Geology at Optiro, Ian Glacken, discuss MIK and conditional simulation.
This episode at a glance:
2:05 There are alternatives to uniform conditioning for when it isn’t suitable
4:15 What are the alternatives to uniform conditioning?
7:45 There are several theoretical objections to Multiple Indicator Kriging in the French school
9:38 What is conditional simulation and how does it apply to recoverable resource estimation?
11:49 So how would we get a single optimal result from multiple conditional simulations?
12:50 How would you use Isatis to help you with your estimation techniques?
14:44 Where can people go to get more information on this subject?
Need to learn more? 2-day Recoverable Resources course

EPISODE 22: Recoverable Resources (Part 1 of 2). Speakers: Ian Glacken and David Barry. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services;  barry@geovariances.com
In part one of this two-part series, Senior Geostatistician at Geovariances, David Barry, and Director of Geology at Optiro Ian Glacken discuss recoverable resources and how to apply uniform conditioning.
This episode at a glance:
1:25 What are recoverable resources?
2:34 What is the difference between recoverable and ordinary resources?
3:48 Is there a difference between recoverable resources and reserves?
4:46 What needs to happen to a recoverable resource to make it into a reserve?
7:00 What are the main techniques for recoverable resource estimation?
7:32 What is uniform conditioning?
11:16 What would a typical uniform conditioning workflow look like?
13:58 What are the key assumptions we have to make when performing uniform conditioning?
17:34 Does uniform conditioning work for underground mining?
18:26 Where can people find out more about uniform conditioning?
Need to learn more? 2-day Recoverable Resources course

EPISODE 21: Underground Grade Control and Sampling. Speakers: Ian Glacken and Dr Simon Dominy.  iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services s.dominy@e3geomet.com
Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken and geometallurgist Simon Dominy discuss this topic, covering techniques and methods.
This episode at a glance:
1:00 How is underground grade control different to open pit?
1:47 How does the mining methods used in underground mining affect the way you’d do grade control?
2:53 Do we need to use a wider range of techniques for underground grade control than in open pit?
3:43 Is face sampling, channel sampling or chip sampling, a waste of time?
6:10 How can understanding the geology contribute to better underground grade control technique?
9:21 Where could people go next to learn more about underground mine grade control and sampling?
Want to learn more? Practical training courses

EPISODE 20: Coarse Gold Sampling and Assaying. Speakers: Dr Simon Dominy – Executive Consultant and Ian Glacken – Geology Director. s.dominy@e3geomet.com   iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
1:15 Let’s clarify – what is coarse gold?
2:58 What deposits in Australia are classified as coarse gold?
4:06 It’s visually appealing, but what are the downsides of coarse gold and what is the nugget effect?
6:32 What issues are there with assaying coarse gold? And what are some of the techniques?
11:18 What are remote assaying techniques and what are the opportunities for that?
12:47 What are the things you can do if you’ve got a coarse gold problem?
14:44 Are there any other places to read more about coarse gold?

EPISODE 19: What is Geometallurgy? Speakers: Dr Simon Dominy – Executive Consultant and Ian Glacken – Geology Director. s.dominy@e3geomet.com   iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com   Geology services
This episode at a glance:
1:32 What are the differences between geometallurgy, geology and metallurgy?
2:40 If you’re going to be a geometallurgist, should you start out as a geologist or a metallurgist?
3:43 What are the sorts of problems we can tackle with geometallurgy?
4:41 You’ve talked about two types of geomet: strategic and tactical. What is the difference?
7:29 What’s the relationship between geometallurgy and environmental management?
8:38 What is ‘mine to mill’ in the context of geometallurgy?
9:44 What would you characterise as a geomet block model?
11:29 Looking forward, what are the challenges going to be in geometallurgy?
13:35 Are all companies going to be able to benefit from geomet or is it only for the big companies?
14:37 Where can people find more information on the subject?

EPISODE 18: Relationships matter – a peek into the world of consulting. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director. iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com   Geology services
Consulting as a geologist in the mining industry is a very rewarding career, but what about the clients! How can a great relationship with a client make a job successful, or a terrible relationship make a project head south? Optiro’s Director of Geology Ian Glacken spills the beans on some of the experiences he’s had throughout his career, revealing the good, the bad and the ugly.
This episode at a glance:
1:07 What’s the worst job you’ve ever worked on?
2:20 So what constitutes a good job for you?
3:57 How does a relationship with a client impact on the job?
8:37 How important is communication with the client?
9:58 What would your advice be for people looking to get into consulting in geology and the mining industry?

EPISODE 17: Due Diligence Tips and Traps. Part 4 of 4. Speaker: Mark Warren – Managing Director mwarren@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services  Mining engineering services
In this episode, the final part of a four part series, Mark shares some of his experiences around Due Diligence, illustrating that it’s not always straight forward.
This episode at a glance:
1:02 If I’m buying a mineral asset, what should I hope to get out of due diligence?
9:58 What are some of the things you’ve seen where sellers haven’t put themselves in a good light?

EPISODE 16: The Due Diligence Process. Part 3 of 4. Speaker: Mark Warren – Managing Director mwarren@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services  Mining engineering services
In this episode, Mark explores the Due Diligence process and how to keep it swift.
This episode at a glance:
0:52 What are the steps in the due diligence process?
5:56 What is a data room?
10:07 How long does a due diligence typically take?
11:28 The level of detail can also vary a lot per assignment in due diligence.

EPISODE 15: Scoping Due Diligence. Part 2 of 4. Speaker: Mark Warren – Managing Director mwarren@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services  Mining engineering services
This episode at a glance:
1:01 To understand the scope, what are some things included in a technical due diligence?
2:53 A broad list of functions are required in a due diligence. How do you cover off all the requirements?
4:49 The board is going to want updates on the due diligence. What should I report back to them?
6:30 We’ve focussed on technical aspects of due diligence, but are there any other factors to worry about?
8:03 What sort of tools do you need to complete a technical due diligence?
11:44 Does each due diligence look the same or does it vary asset to asset?

EPISODE 14: Due Diligence. Part 1 of 4. Speaker: Mark Warren – Managing Director mwarren@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services Mining engineering services
This episode at a glance:
1:01 Experience in performing DDs
1:57 So what is due diligence? Is it just doing your homework?
3:55 Does the standard definition of ‘due diligence’ apply to mineral assets?
7:00 So how does it apply to mineral assets?
7:46 When and why would you undertake due diligence?

EPISODE 13: On the same page with reconciliation dashboards. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:52 What is the concept of a dashboard?
2:52 Dashboards have come a long way in business in the last ten years, but why are they particularly appropriate for reconciliation?
6:02 What are some of the good things you’ve seen in reconciliation dashboards?
10:08 Can dashboards also be used for compliance to plan?
11:22 How do you get started with dashboards in your company?
12:45 Where can people go to find examples of excellent dashboards?
Want to learn more? 1-day Reconciliation training course

EPISODE 12: QAQC – going deeper on accuracy and precision. Part 2. Speaker: Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:56 What is an acceptable level of precision for sample grade data?
5:33 What happens when your grade precision is not consistent with what you were expecting?
Want to learn more? 2-day Getting the most out of QAQC data course

EPISODE 11: QAQC – going deeper on accuracy and precision. Part 1 of 2. Speaker: Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:54 What’s the difference between accuracy and precision?
5:12 Why are the accuracy and precision of geological data so important?
7:09 How do we know we have an acceptable accuracy for sample grade data?
9:50 Not everything goes to plan. What can you do if your grade control accuracy doesn’t meet your expectations?
Want to learn more? 2-day Getting the most out of QAQC data course

EPISODE 10:  7 Rules for Report Writing. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:40 What sort of reports are there in geology and why are they important?
1:18 Why is good report writing important?
2:08 Rule #1: Making the report readable
2:49 Rule #2: Using visuals in your report
4:10 Rule #3: A presentation is not a report
6:00 Rule #4: Refer to all captioned items
6:58 Rule #5: Cut down on jargon where possible
8:40 Rule #6: Clarity, concision and elegance
10:43 Rule #7: RTFR
11:45 What can people read to get ideas on how to write better reports?
Want to learn more? Report Writing for Geologists & Engineers course

EPISODE 9: Sampling – the critical decisions. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:36 Why is sampling important in the mining industry?
1:42 What are sampling errors?
2:54 What are the key principles of sampling in mining?
3:46 What are the things we can do to make sampling random?
4:25 What are the differences between correct and incorrect errors?
5:25 What are some of the incorrect errors?
7:30 What are correct errors?
8:53 How do we go about reducing errors in sampling?
11:22 To learn more about sampling, where should people go?
Want to learn more? 1-day Sampling Theory & Best Practice course

EPISODE 8: QAQC – quality is everything. Part 2. Speakers: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com and Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
1:02 How do we measure precision and why is it important?
3:12 What are the properties of a duplicate for precision analysis?
3:50 Why do we need to take duplicates at various stages?
5:09 What are the types of information we need to present for duplicate samples and how do we measure precision?
6:46 Let’s move on from precision and talk about contamination
10:11 Why do we need umpire laboratories and what are their roles in the process?
11:45 Are there differing views about when to use an umpire lab?
12:27 What are the benefits of QAQC and what are the risks of not having a robust programme?
14:20 Where can you learn more about QAQC?
2-day Getting the most out of QAQC data course

EPISODE 7: QAQC – quality is everything. Part 1. Speakers: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com and Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:56 What is QAQC?
2:10 What are the limits of QAQC in the mining cycle?
2:45 What are the key aspects of what QAQC is trying to achieve?
4:09 How do we measure accuracy given we don’t know the true grade of anything?
5:18 What are the characteristics of a Certified Reference Material?
12:17 How do we portray accuracy?
Want to learn more? 2-day Getting the most out of QAQC data course

EPISODE 6: Declustering – what is the true grade? Speakers: Ian Glacken – Director of Geology iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com and Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:51 What is declustering and why is mining data clustered?
1:41 What are the implications of not declustering?
2:03 When is declustering useful?
2:52 Do we need to apply declustering to ordinary kriging?
3:26 What are some of the normal methods used when declustering?
5:12 So not everyone uses declustering. Why do some practitioners disavow it?
6:10 Do you both agree on when to apply declustering?
7:22 Are there any circumstances when its mandatory to decluster?
9:12 Where should people go to learn more?

EPISODE 5: Reconciliation. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:47 What is reconciliation and how it applies to mining?
1:48 What happens when things go wrong?
2:29 If someone has made a poor forecast at the beginning, is there any way back?
3:33 What are the key aspects of reconciliation?
5:46 Why is reconciliation so complicated? Does it need to be?
7:08 What about the standards we need to adhere to?
8:07 Is this just the domain of geologists or are there others involved?
9:09 What are the key aspects of an effective reconciliation?
9:56 Where can people learn more about reconciliation?
Want to learn more? 1-day Reconciliation training course

EPISODE 4: Politics and Ideology of Resource Estimation – Part 2. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:50 What is the issue and what are the differences between global estimation and local accuracy?
3:55 How do you know which approach is applicable to your situation?
5:05 Is there something about the culture of a country that determines the approach?
6:11 Are there any approaches that are less theoretically rigorous?
7:11 If some approaches aren’t theoretically rigorous, how can you justify using them?
7:57 Why are some of the older techniques still used if there are better ones around?
8:50 What does the future hold for resource estimation?
11:00 Where can people get the paper you wrote on resource estimation?
Want to learn more? 5-day Resource Estimation & Evaluation course

EPISODE 3: Politics and Ideology of Resource Estimation – Part 1. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
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?
Want to learn more? 5-day Resource Estimation & Evaluation course

EPISODE 2: Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE). Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:48 What is RPEEE?
1:33 Why do we need to have RPEEE as part of all the reporting codes?
2:28 The codes are there to protect investors
3:19 What has changed from the versions of JORC 2004 to 2012?
4:28 RPEEE has also been controversial because of its inconsistent application
5:34 Why is the principal not being applied everywhere?
6:38 What is the approach for open pit mines for RPEEE?
7:45 How does RPEEE apply to underground mines?
8:56 Are there any differences between how the RPEEE has been applied in the JORC, SAMREC and CIM codes?

EPISODE 1: Top Cuts. Speaker: Ian Glacken – Geology Director iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com  Geology services
This episode at a glance:
0:44 What is a top cut?
1:10 Why should you use a top cut?
2:03 When and where should you apply a top cut?
2:43 What are the alternatives to top cuts?
3:33 Where are top cuts not appropriate?
4:49 If not everyone believes in it, what is the science behind top cuts?
7:26 Top cuts don’t always work out and produce the right results
8:20 Top cuts are an essential method for high variability precious metals, like gold silver and platinum
8:46 Where can people learn more?

For more information about our podcasts or technical services, please contact:

Ian Glacken – Director of Geology: iglacken@snowdenoptiro.com
BSc (Hons), MSc (Min. Geol), MSc (Geostatistics), FAusIMM(CP), CEng, FAIG
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. He has worked on mineral projects and given training courses to thousands of attendees on every continent apart from Antarctica!  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.
Here is a LINK to our Geology services.

Paul Blackney – Principal Consultant: pblackney@snowdenoptiro.com
BSc (Hons), MAusIMM, MAIG
Paul is a geologist with more than 35 years’ technical and operational experience.  His skills include resource evaluation, technical audits and reviews, geostatistics, reconciliation, grade control, competent persons reporting and project management. Paul provides worldwide technical training and mentoring in resource estimation, quality control and quality assurance, reconciliation and application of the JORC Code and is highly respected for his focus on the transfer of his knowledge to other geologists.
Here is a LINK to our Geology services.

Mark Drabble – Principal Consultant: mdrabble@snowdenoptiro.com
B.App.Sci.(Geology), MAusIMM, MAIG
Mark is a geologist with more than 29 years’ experience in underground and open-pit production, resource development, resource estimation, consulting and geological management at operational and corporate levels. Mark has commodity experience in gold, nickel, manganese, chromite, copper, lead, zinc, graphite and tin and is proficient in the use of Leapfrog Geo and Surpac software for resource modelling. Mark’s skills are based on the application of practical geology, risk assessment, communication and identification of value opportunities.
Here is a LINK to our Geology services.

Mark Warren – Managing Director mwarren@snowdenoptiro.com
BEng(Mech), MIEAust, CPEng, NER
Mark is an engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in the global mining industry. His experience includes technical, consulting, managerial and Board roles across most commodities and geographies. Mark is also a Director of Austmine representing METS industry of Australia, and has served in Director, Chairman and Executive Committee roles in ASX listed companies. With executive level experience, M&A experience and general knowledge across mining enterprises, Mark provides Board support, strategy development services, due diligence and corporate advice to clients.
Here is a LINK to our Corporate services.

Dr Simon Dominy – Executive Consultant s.dominy@e3geomet.com
FAusIMM(CP), FGS(CGeol), FAIG(RPGeo), FIMMM(CEng), MCSM
Simon is a mining geologist-geometallurgist with more than 25 years of global exposure based in operations, consulting and academia. He has a background in underground operations management and leadership roles, with multi-commodity and continent experience. He has worked across the mine value chain from studies, through to mine development, operations, operational improvement and mine closure. Simon is Adjunct Professor at WASM, Curtin University, and a Visiting Associate Professor at CSM, University of Exeter, UK. He has published extensively on topics ranging from mineral deposit geology, resource estimation, sampling/Theory of Sampling, underground mining,  and minerals engineering.

Diana Ross – Training Manager:  diana.ross@snowdenoptiro.com
Optiro training courses cover the technical information in the podcasts in more detail. The training courses are offered as both public courses and in-house/on-site training. Please contact Diana if you would like further information about the courses or if you’d like a quote for in-house/on-site training.

Is there a topic that you would like us to cover in a podcast? Please let me know: diana.ross@snowdenoptiro.com

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