Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro artwork

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

72 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 9 hours ago -

News and information from the world of geology and mining, Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro provides a new perspective on the industry and seeks to educate on best practice. www.snowdenoptiro.com
Snowden Optiro Mining Advisory Consulting, Software and Training.

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Episodes

71 - Commodity Series: Hard Rock Lithium

July 10, 2024 01:08 - 11 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant Andrew Scogings and Managing Consultant Susan Havlin explore the topic of Commodity Series: Hard Rock Lithium. This podcast at a glance:   00:05 Introduction 01:30 Lithium minerals: Variations and significance? 02:10 Mineral characteristics: Impact on lithium extraction? 02:56 Economic viability: Role of mineralogy in lithium deposits? 03:40 Exploration indicato...

70 - Decoding Compliance: JORC vs. SAMREC

July 03, 2024 02:15 - 11 minutes - 20.7 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava explore the topic of compliance, specifically the similarities and differences between Australian JORC Code and South African SAMREC Code. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:40 Brief comparison of SAMREC vs JORC and when they were updated 01:40 Explanation of a CPR 02:30 Mandatory items to be included i...

69 - Exploring African Mining: Insights from Local Presence

June 27, 2024 01:43 - 18 minutes - 35.2 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune in as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Johannesburg-based Principal Consultant Senzeni Mandava share insights on industry trends in her local context, discuss ongoing projects, and explore African resource dynamics. This podcast episode at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  01:00 Overview of Johannesburg office and key roles 02:20 Focus on Johannesburg Practice and daily operations 03:50 Initiatives for Professional Develop...

68 - Commodity Series - Gold Deposits

June 20, 2024 01:49 - 12 minutes - 23.4 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Justine Tracey, Head of Advisory APAC discuss mineral resource estimation issues and intricates of gold deposits. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 01:10 Ian's Background and Experience with Gold 02:20 Justine's Experience with Gold Deposits 02:50 Key Issues in Estimating Gold Deposits 06:20 Estimating Disseminated Mineralisation in Intrusives 09:00 Challenges with Dua...

67 - Mining Geology and Ore Control - Part 2

June 19, 2024 02:02 - 13 minutes - 25.3 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Craig Morley discuss the importance of value-based ore control, the evolving role of mining geologists, and the impact of AI and simulation in enhancing mining operations. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:55 Value-Based Ore Control 02:32 Geometallurgy and Its Importance 03:25 The Role of 21st-Century Mining Geologists 05:45 Simulation and Uncertainty in Mining 08:...

66 - Underground Mine Planning Process

June 05, 2024 04:19 - 8 minutes - 16.6 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join us as our Principal Consultant Chris Jones and Allan Earl, Executive Consultant, exploring the topic of underground mine planning process. This podcast  at a glance: 00:05 Introduction  00:40 Recent Underground Projects 01:05 Underground Mine Planning and Design Process 01:50 Specifics for Scoping Studies 02:25 Mining Method Selection 03:40 Development Design Layout 04:30 Preliminary Stope Designs 05:10 Mining Schedule Setu...

65 - Commodity Series - Gold

May 30, 2024 01:30 - 20 minutes - 37.3 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join us as our International Regional Manager, Julian Aldridge, and Senior Consultant, Laurie Hassall, delve into the complexities of gold mining. This podcast episode at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 03:50 Geological Environments and Deposit Styles 07:15 Experience Required for QP/CP in Gold 08:40 Mineralogy and Metallogeny 10:35 Mining Styles for Gold 12:50 Key Areas for Gold Mining Around the World 14:30 Future Outlook for Gold...

64 - Mining Geology and Ore Control

May 21, 2024 01:36 - 7 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Craig Morley explore the intricacies of mining geology, innovation and ore control. This podcast at a glance:  00:05 Introduction 00:45 Discussing ore control and mine geology innovations  01:20 Problems and innovations: Example of high-impact, low-cost innovation  02:45 Integration of data innovation in ore control processes 04:10 Approaches to collaboration in mining operations...

63: Commodity Podcast Series – Tin

May 14, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 22.2 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall explore the intricacies of tin mining. This podcast video at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  00:40 Explanation of what tin is and its application 02:35 The geological environments and deposits styles commonly associated with tin 04:40 Discussion about where tin deposits are found around the world 06:20 The metallurgical and mineralogic...

63 - Commodity Podcast Series – Tin

May 14, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 22.2 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, tune is as our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall explore the intricacies of tin mining. This podcast video at a glance:  00:05 Introduction  00:40 Explanation of what tin is and its application 02:35 The geological environments and deposits styles commonly associated with tin 04:40 Discussion about where tin deposits are found around the world 06:20 The metallurgical and mineralogic...

62 - Open Pit Mine Planning Process

May 08, 2024 05:14 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MB

In this episode, our General Manager of Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington and Managing Consultant, Hamish Guthrie discuss the open pit mine planning process. This podcast at a glance: 00:05 Introduction 00:52 Defining what an open pit mine plan entails. 01:10 Reason and motivation behind creating mine plans 02:00 Process of creating an open pit mine plan 03:50 Expected outcomes of a typical mine plan 04:50 Addressing the time required for completing a mine plan 05:55 Discussion of...

60 - Commodity Podcast Series - Copper

April 30, 2024 03:36 - 16 minutes - 31.3 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as they discuss all the specifics of the copper mining commodity.  This podcast at a glance: 00:08 Introduction 00:40 Explanation of what copper is and its application 03:07 The geological environments and deposits styles commonly associated with copper 04:30 Discussion about where copper deposits are found around the world 05:45 Discussio...

59 - Commodity Podcast Series - Tungsten

April 23, 2024 02:38 - 15 minutes - 29.1 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join our International Regional Manager Julian Aldridge and Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall as they explore the nuances of working     with the tungsten commodity. This podcast at a glance: 00:08 Introduction 00:45 Explanation of what tungsten is and its applications 02:18 The geological environments and deposit styles commonly associated with tungsten 03:50 Discussion about where tungsten deposits are found around the world 04:35...

57 - Top Cutting Strategy for Resource Estimation

March 27, 2024 04:18 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the top cutting strategy for resource estimation. This podcast at a glance: Oscar introduces this podcast and the speaker Ian Glacken. 00:05 Oscar introduces this podcast and the speaker Ian Glacken. 00:57 Ian describes the importance of a top cut strategy in Resource Estimation. 02:55 Ian discusses the approaches used for selecting...

58 - Technical Due Diligence for Mining

March 27, 2024 01:59 - 21 minutes - 40.4 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Allan Earl, Executive Consultant as they discuss the mining aspects of Technical Due Diligence. This podcast at a glance: 0:10 Tarrant introduces the speaker, Allan Earl, and outlines the podcast topic. 1:00 Allan provides an overview of Technical Due Diligence in the mining industry.  2:35 Allan delves into the initial aspects considered when commencing a Technical Due Diligence review. 4...

56 - Electrification of the Mining Process. Fresh Thinking Podcast

March 18, 2024 08:19 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join General Manager Tarrant Elkington and Danny Tolmer, Regional Manager for North Americas as they discuss the electrification of the mining process.  This podcast at a glance: 0:04 Tarrant introduces the podcast and our speaker, Danny Tolmer.  0:58 Danny explores mine electrification and its connection to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.  2:36 Danny explores various technologies utilized for mine electrifica...

55 - Applications of Conditional Simulation - PART 2

March 09, 2024 04:07 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the applications of Conditional Simulation in a two-part series. This is the second final episode. 00:00 Ian introduces this podcast and the speaker Dr Oscar Rondon.  01:15 Oscar addresses the topic of Resource Classification in more detail. 02:00 Ian emphasizes the essential role of geological continuity and the need for expert consi...

54 - Applications of Conditional Simulation - PART 1

March 06, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Executive Consultant Ian Glacken and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon as they explore the applications of Conditional Simulation in a two-part series. This is the first episode. This podcast at a glance: 0:30 Ian starts the podcast, introducing the topic and explaining what Conditional Simulation means briefly.  1:35 Oscar talks about the concept of simulation, specifically focusing on the idea of the space of uncerta...

53 - Conditional Simulation: What It Is and Why It Is Important.

March 05, 2024 01:24 - 9 minutes - 8.59 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Technical Writer Kiara Allessio and Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon come together to discuss Conditional Simulation — exploring what it is and why it is crucial for Resource Estimation. This podcast at a glance: 00:00: Kiara introduces the episode and the speaker Oscar Rondon. 00:23: Oscar explains why Conditional Simulation matters for Mineral Resource Estimation. 01:00: Oscar stresses the importance of turning data into a...

Technical Due Diligence for Geology and Mineral Resources

February 19, 2024 02:43 - 19 minutes - 30.8 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our Managing Director Tarrant Elkington and Executive Consultant Michael Andrew discuss the topic of Technical Due Diligence and its role for geology and mineral resources. This podcast at a glance: 00:00: Tarrant introduces the episode and the speaker Michael Andrew  00:50: Mike provides a high-level overview of Technical Due Diligence for geology and mineral resources.  03:30: Mike talks about what he looks for when starting a Tech...

52 - Validation of Mineral Resource Models

February 01, 2024 02:20

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken, Principal Geostatistician Dr. Oscar Rondon and Anthony Cook, Product Manager - Supervisor, come together to discuss Validation of Mineral Resource Models. They explore the reasons behind validation, the different types available, and the tools at our disposal. This podcast at a glance: 00:00 - Ian introduces his guests, Oscar Rondon and Ian Glacken.  00:40 - Ian presents the podcast topic.  01:05 -...

51 - MIK Localisation - Gold Deposit

December 15, 2023 04:10 - 16 minutes - 29.6 MB

In this episode, Geology Consultant Dr. Gregory Zhang discusses the practical application of MIK Localisation for addressing complex data challenges, with a specific focus on a gold deposit.  This podcast video at a glance:  00:28 – Greg provides an overview of his expertise and background. 01:35 - Greg explains what MIK is. 02:00 – Greg explores the non-linear estimation methods and discusses when to use them. 03:30– Greg outlines the high-level workflow of MIK. 04:53 – Greg expl...

50 - The Closure Problem–greater than the sum of its parts?

September 14, 2023 01:45 - 7 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Anthony Cook, Product Manager for Supervisor, and Oscar Rondon, our Principal Geostatistician, as they unravel the intricate world of the 'Closure Problem' in geosciences — exploring its impact on various processes and highlighting its critical importance. This podcast video at a glance: 00:48 – Oscar gives a brief overview of what the closure problem is.  02:26 – Anthony explores the potential issues that can arise if the closur...

49 - User Perspectives on Supervisor and Isatis Software

September 06, 2023 01:44 - 7 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, join Anthony Cook, Product Manager for Supervisor, and Oscar Rondon, our Principal Geostatistician, as they dive into the world of Supervisor and Isatis software from a user's perspective. Discover how they leverage these tools in their resource estimation studies. This podcast video at a glance: 1:00 – Oscar discusses with Anthony his extensive experience using Isatis during his career in the petroleum and mining industry. 2:18 – Os...

48 - Data transparency across the mine value chain

July 04, 2023 04:27 - 15 minutes - 29.3 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro talks with Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner about the importance of data transparency across the mine vale chain, for achieving effective reconciliation. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast video at a glance: 1:06 – How would you define data t...

47 - DOM: Declared Ore Mined

May 18, 2023 07:24 - 10 minutes - 20.3 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Declared Ore Mined (DOM) with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. What is the meaning of DOM, where does it fit in reconciliation, and what are the pros and cons of using DOM as one of the cornerstones of mine reconciliation are some of the topics discussed in this episode. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improv...

46 - Reconciliation and Moisture

August 11, 2022 01:44 - 14 minutes - 27.5 MB

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Reconciliation and Moisture with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast at a glance: 0:57 Why is moisture or contained water important in reconciliation? 3:32 Is there a reason some companies ignore ...

45 - Reconciliation vs Rescaling

July 29, 2022 01:41 - 15 minutes - 28.4 MB

In this episode, Rayleen Hargreaves, Principal Consultant and Reconcilor Product Owner discusses Reconciliation versus Rescaling with Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant with Snowden Optiro. Both Rayleen and Ian are passionate advocates for continuous improvement via reconciliation across the entire mining value chain. This podcast at a glance: 1:05 Definition of reconciliation 2:07 What is the differrence between reconcilation and rescaling 6:20 The pros and cons of rescaling data 8:55...

44 - Reconcilor 20 Year Anniversary

July 14, 2022 01:10 - 15 minutes - 28.3 MB

To celebrate the 20-year Anniversary of Reconcilor, Rayleen Hargreaves our Reconcilor Product Owner chats to Craig Morley Anglo American’s Head of Mining Geosciences and Reconciliation about the key roles they have played in the genesis, development and roll out of the reconciliation software Reconcilor. Prior to joining Anglo American, Craig was with Snowden for 18 years and it was during this time that Reconcilor was born. Here we are 20 years later and Reconcilor is working its magic on 3...

43 - IPCC - Inpit Crushing and Conveying - Part 2

May 24, 2022 03:39 - 15 minutes - 28.9 MB

IPCC offers economic and environmental gains for mining companies. In this part 2 of a 2-part podcast series, Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro's General Manager talks to IPCC expert Phil Morris about the technical details, applications and benefits of IPCC. This episode at a glance: 0:49 Types of IPCC: Pit rim/out-of-pit crusher - Fixed IPCC - Semi-mobile IPCC - Fully-mobile IPCC 3:22 Most suitable applications according to mine complexity 5:04 Possible to get rid of all trucks? 6:00 W...

42 - IPCC - Inpit Crushing and Conveying

May 13, 2022 06:14 - 19 minutes - 36.1 MB

IPCC offers economic and environmental gains for mining companies. In this podcast, Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro's Global General Manager talks to IPCC expert Phil Morriss about the  applications and benefits of IPCC. This episode at a glance: 0:53 Introduction of Phil Morriss (yes, that's him laughing in the background!) 1:16 Phil explains what IPCC is 2:38 Benefits of replacing trucks with IPCC 5:17 Economic/Unit cost savings 7:17 Environmental benefits - carbon footprint r...

41 - Economics of Project Development

March 16, 2022 05:03 - 18 minutes - 33.6 MB

In this podcast, Matt Mullins our Head of Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia talks about the economics of project development - honing in on the 7 fundamentals of project success. This episode at a glance: 3:32 Strategic thinking, Pre-feasibility study and Feasibility study – any of these more important? 6:36 The 7 fundamentals of project success 9:32 Why are independent reviews so critical? 11:32 The 4 prime metrics 16:06 What rate of return to expect? Further r...

40 - Increasing productivity – a case study

March 14, 2022 04:45 - 19 minutes - 36.7 MB

This is the first podcast from Matt Mullins, our Head of Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. In this podcast Matt talks about his experience with creating value through increasing productivity. Matt’s vast knowledge, experience and the skills that he’s gained in his 40+ years in the mining industry, offer us invaluable information. This episode at a glance: 1:52 What are some of the big changes that you’ve witnessed over the past 40 years in the mining industry? 6:00 Cap...

39 - Part 2 of 2 – Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK)

September 02, 2021 02:33 - 15 minutes - 29.5 MB

This is the 2nd podcast in a 2-part series that covers Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging, which is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken discusses the use and abuse of these techniques in mineral resource estimation, with our podcast host Justine Tracey. This episode at a glance: 1:00 Let's recap the concept of an indicator 1.58 What are the circumstances where MIK is required? 5.56 What are the k...

38 - Categorical Kriging - what is it and when does it work? Part 1 of 2

August 18, 2021 06:11 - 13 minutes - 25.3 MB

This is the first podcast in a 2-part series that covers Categorical and Multiple Indicator Kriging, which is an increasingly popular mineral resource estimation technique. In this podcast, Optiro's Geology Director, Ian Glacken addresses the use and abuse of these techniques in mineral resource estimation. This episode at a glance: 1:00 What are these two podcasts about? 1:36 What exactly is an indicator? 2:33 What is categorical kriging and where would I apply it? 4:32 Could you ...

37 - Classifying mineral resources

May 25, 2020 16:00 - 12 minutes - 14.4 MB

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. In this episode: 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 fo...

36 - ASX Market Releases

May 11, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 20 MB

There are plenty of ways to get it wrong and having to retract your ASX market release is best avoided. Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains how to stay compliant to the rules in this fourth part in the mini-series on the JORC code. In this episode: 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? ...

35 - Table 1

April 27, 2020 16:00 - 13 minutes - 15.8 MB

Podcasts in the time of COVID-19. The name isn't a mistake: Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken is talking about Table 1 of the JORC code, why it is there, misconceptions about it and how it can protect investors. In this episode: 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...

34 - Metal Equivalents

April 13, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MB

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, Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken explains where miners are getting it wrong and potentially misreporting the value of their commodities. In this episode: 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 talki...

33 - RPEEE: is all hope lost?

March 30, 2020 16:00 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MB

Recent research undertaken by Optiro's Director of Geology, 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. In this episode: 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...

32 - The resource model "sniff test"

March 16, 2020 16:00 - 17 minutes - 20.2 MB

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. In this episode: 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 W...

31 - From data to resource model

March 02, 2020 17:00 - 26 minutes - 30.8 MB

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.  In this episode: 0:45 Five years before you could use 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 cod...

30 - Bulk assaying techniques

February 17, 2020 17:00 - 11 minutes - 12.9 MB

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. In this episode: 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? For more in...

29 - Bulk Sampling for Resource Validation

February 03, 2020 17:00 - 11 minutes - 13.1 MB

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 Director of Geology at Optiro Ian Glacken to discuss where he has seen it used well in the past. In this episode: 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 s...

28 - The travels of a geologist (part 4)

January 20, 2020 17:00 - 13 minutes - 19.1 MB

When you travel the world visiting mines, you encounter extremes in weather, altitude and travel. In this final part of the travels of a geologist, Director of Geology at Optiro Ian Glacken recalls how he almost got frostbite in an unlikely country and about potholes so big they could swallow a car. In this episode: 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 yo...

27 - The travels of a geologist (part 3)

January 06, 2020 17:00 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MB

The best jobs can be on the worst trips and the worst jobs can be in the best places. In part 3 of 4 of this series on travel as a geologist, Director of Geology at Optiro Ian Glacken tells us about some of the worst places he's been and the worst food poisoning he's endured, whilst keeping an eye out for some of the world's most rugged beauty.  In this episode: 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:...

26 - The travels of a geologist (part 2)

December 09, 2019 17:00 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MB

Seeing the world as a consultant geologist can take you places, but some of them 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. In this episode: 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 ...

25 - The travels of a geologist (part 1)

November 25, 2019 17:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MB

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. In this episode: 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 geostatis...

24 - Geological interpretation and modelling

November 11, 2019 17:00 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MB

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. In this episode: 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...

23 - Recoverable resources (part two)

October 28, 2019 16:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MB

Geologists need to use the right methods when estimating the tonnage and grade they can expect from an ore body. For recoverable resources, when uniform conditioning doesn't work, you need to turn to alterative techniques. 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. In this episode: 2:05 There are alternatives to uniform conditioning for when it isn't suit...