Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

101: Machine Learning – Case Study

In this podcast, Susan Havlin, Managing Consultant APAC and Dr Gregory Zhang, Senior Geology Consultant discuss the application of machine learning for geological domaining in Resource Estimation, with specific reference to a project that Dr Gregory Zhang worked on.

This podcast at a glance:

1.21 A case study using the k-means algorithm

0.55 Why was an alternative approach needed?

2:10 What is the k-means algorithm and why is it suitable?

3:10 What steps were used to apply k-means to the data set?

4:20 What were the key outcomes?

5:20 Any limitations?

7:40 Speed of getting results

8:12 Who can use this method?

If you'd like to connect with Susan Havlin and Dr Gregory Zhang, please email them: [email protected]

This audio podcast is also available as a free video podcast on Snowden Optiro’s YouTube channel.

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.

https://snowdenoptiro.com

https://snowdenoptiro.com/professiona...

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In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Senior Consultant Laurie Hassall and our EMEAA Regional Manager Julian Aldridge discuss the critical steps in moving from a Pre-Feasibility Study to a Feasibility Study, focusing on refining project concepts and ensuring economic viability. This podcast at a glance: 00:15 Introduction 00:38 Difference between PFS and FS 02:20 Various steps for a Pre-Feasibility Study 05:51 The changes when progressing to a Feasibility Study 09:23 Costs and time allocation for Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies 10:00 Permits 11:45 Risks of not doing a Pre-Feasibility Study Join our experts as they explores the topic of 'Pre-Feasibility Studies' in the episode 98 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.

If you'd like to connect with Laurie, please reach out to them at [email protected].

This podcast is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, and @Apple Podcasts.

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 derisk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.

https://snowdenoptiro.com/ [email protected] https://snowdenoptiro.com/professionaldevelopment/

What do banks look for before funding a mining project?

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Tarrant Elkington is joined by our Executive Consultant Bob Jankovic to explore the technical side of mining finance. With over 35 years’ experience across North and South America, and deep expertise inside major banks, Bob offers a rare look behind the scenes of what lenders expect from feasibility studies, resource models, and risk assessments.

Whether you're preparing to raise capital or just curious about the lending landscape, this is a must-listen for anyone involved in mine development.

If you would like to contact Tarrant or Bob: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry.

This video podcast is also available as a video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JfxD5z0QXZU?feature=shared

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.

Find out more at: https://snowdenoptiro.com Training: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professiona...

In this Fresh Thinking episode, we’re discussing one of mining’s toughest technical challenges: refractory gold ores.

Dr Tarrant Elkington, Snowden Optiro General Manager sits down with metallurgical expert Dr Leon Lorenzen to explore why some gold refuses to come quietly, and the high-stakes processing paths needed to recover it. From pressure oxidation to bioleaching and ultrafine grinding, this episode uncovers the costs, complexities, and future of refractory ore treatment.

If you're a geologist, metallurgist, or investor—this one's essential listening.

This podcast at a glance:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

00:45 – What is refractory gold? And why is it a problem?

02:30 – The role of geology and early detection

04:00 – How refractory ore impacts project economics

05:15 – Overview of processing methods: POX, BIOX, Albion, roasting

07:30 – How to choose the right processing path

09:00 – Real-world examples of refractory gold plants

11:00 – The future: centralised hubs and economic scale

12:30 – Final thoughts and advice for developers and investors

If you'd like to connect with Tarrant and Leon: [email protected]

This video podcast is also available as a video podcast on our Snowden Optiro YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SnowdenOptiro

🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry.

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.

Find out more at: https://snowdenoptiro.com/

Professional Development courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/

#mineralprocessing #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking #gold #podcast

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 indicators: Key signs for lithium? 05:00 Mineralogical studies: Contribution to resource estimates? 06:30 Assaying techniques: Effects on lithium oxide results? 07:50 Domaining challenges: Issues in pegmatite modeling? 08:30 Contaminants: Concerns in lithium estimation? 08:55 Subdomains in pegmatites: Varying lithium content? 09:54 Drilling impacts: Influence on lithium exploration? 10:30 Geological modeling: Challenges in lithium deposits?

Join our experts as they explore the topic of Hard Rock Lithium in the episode 71 of the Fresh Thinking podcast.

If you'd like to connect with Ian, Andrew and Susan, please reach out to them at [email protected].

This podcast episode is also available as an audio podcast on @Libsyn, @Spotify, @Apple Podcasts, @Google Podcasts. These podcasts are for those working in the mining industry. Snowden Optiro - Mining Advisory, Consulting and Professional Development.