Our focus is on maximising the value of the geology function and mineral resources to your company through industry-leading estimates, independent audit and review, clear, unbiased reporting and superior geological services throughout the exploration and mining sequence.
Mineral Resource Estimation
The core of our geology business is estimation of mineral resources using the most appropriate geological and statistical modelling approaches.
Our group of experienced mining industry consultants act as Competent and Qualified Persons for most commodities and Codes. We have generated resource estimates over a wide range of geological and geographic environments for juniors through to the world’s largest mining companies.
Our focus is always on translating the geological model into the most accurate grade and tonnage model which honours the sample data and its relationships.
Our models cover the range of approaches from ordinary kriging through to recoverable estimation (LUC, LMIK), multivariate estimation and simulation for risk assessment.
Audit and review of projects, resources and reserves
Snowden Optiro’s consultants are regularly called upon to carry out resource and reserve audits for the world’s major miners over a range of commodities, ensuring compliance with the JORC, SAMREC and CIM Codes.
Drawing upon over twenty years of review experience and hundreds of audits for the world’s major miners, we have developed a best-practice based benchmarking system which provides a concise identification of risks and opportunities for operational improvement.
Geological review and modelling
We specialise in the visualisation, review and analysis of geological data and models, or generate high-quality models based upon your geological, lithological, structural, alteration and weathering data.
Using advanced tools and techniques, the models honour the complex controls while being suitable for resource estimation
Sampling and QAQC
Our sampling and QAQC experts are able to optimise your sampling, subsampling, preparation and assaying protocols to minimise or eliminate correct and incorrect sampling errors.
We are able to design, implement or analyse best practice in QAQC systems and tools to ensure the highest assay and data quality at your operations.
Independent geologist reports
Snowden Optiro has written or co-authored a large number of independent geologist reports over a variety of commodities and geological settings for listing, valuation or M&A purposes.
Our principals are able to provide clear, compliant, concise and well-written documents which offer great value for money.
Knowledge driven predictive modelling for exploration optimisation
Snowden Optiro has developed a set of predictive modelling tools based upon objective measures, industry-leading statistical tools and orebody knowledge which builds in our commodity and ore systems experience.
Many companies have successfully used this to maximise exploration spend by relatively cheaply targeting the most fertile and prospective sites.
Grade control and reconciliation
At Snowden Optiro we have expert mine geology knowledge which we are able to bring to your grade control or reconciliation problem.
We specialise in analysing and unravelling complex production and reconciliation scenarios and presenting information and trends in an unambiguous and graphically-intensive manner.
CP, QP and compliance public reporting
We have generated a wide range of reports for the world’s major markets and Codes and are able to write, review or enhance your public reporting, making sure that any compliance issues are dealt with.
We are adept at NI 43-101 reports for the Canadian Market, Competent Persons reports for the South African exchange and all manner of JORC Code compliant public reporting for the ASX.
We are often called upon to edit and review public offerings and can ensure that your project is presented in the best and most technically-accurate manner.
Statistical and geostatistical studies
Our expert geostatisticians have qualifications from the world’s leading schools and are able to assist with drill spacing and sample spacing studies, simulation for recoverable resource estimation, classification and risk assessment, co-estimation and multivariate studies, and theoretical error assessment.
We are proud that we can synthesize expert geological knowledge and geostatistical expertise to yield the best possible outcomes.
Resource and geology training
Our Directors and Principal Consultants have developed 10 practical resource and geology courses specifically for those working in and associated with the mining industry. These courses have been presented both as public courses and as on-site training around the world, to an average of 200 course attendees per year.
Each Snowden Optiro training day has an 8PD Hours AusIMM rating. Please see our training page for more details.
