Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

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/