Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro

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 reduction 8:48 Key drivers to get best benefits from ICC 14:36 Anything against using IPCC? 16:50 Future of IPCC and its application If you would like to discuss the application of IPCC for your mine site or would like more information, please contact either Tarrant Elkington or Phil Morris: contact@snowdenoptiro.com  Snowdenoptiro.com

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 key issues to be aware of? 9.54 Why is MIK abused as an estimation technique? 13.17 Where can we get more information? For more information: Rossi, ME, and Deutsch, CV (2014).  Mineral Resource Estimation.  Springer. A practitioners' implementation of indicator kriging. Authors: I M Glacken and P C J Blackney. Contact Ian Glacken for a copy: iglacken@optiro.com

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 use it in a more simple application? (Sub domaining out your low-grade zones within a domain) 5:27 Have you seen categorical kriging used inappropriately? 7:11 Can you explain how categorical estimation works? 9:44 What are the key issues when using a categorical estimation? 11:21 Is the approach ever overused or abused? For more information: Rossi, ME, and Deutsch, CV (2014).  Mineral Resource Estimation.  Springer. A practitioners' implementation of indicator kriging. Authors: I M Glacken and P C J Blackney. Contact Ian Glacken for a copy: iglacken@optiro.com

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 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? 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 JORC Code Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com

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? 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? For more information: JORC Code Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com

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 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 Ltd Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com

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 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? For more information: The Use and Abuse of Metal Equivalents (2019) Rose, S and Fahey, G. Mining Geology 2019 conference. Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com

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 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? For more information: The Highly Vexed Issue of Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) - Narrowing the Range of Practice (2019), Glacken, Ian. Mining Geology 2019 conference. Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com

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 What should we do with our validated models, now that we have them? For more information: Contact Mark Drabble - Optiro Principal Geologist: MDrabble@optiro.com

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 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? For more information: Contact Mark Drabble - Optiro Principal Geologist: MDrabble@optiro.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. 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 information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Contact Simon Dominy - s.dominy@e3geomet.com Optiro website

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 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? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Contact Simon Dominy - s.dominy@e3geomet.com Optiro website

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 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? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Optiro website

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? 5:21 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 For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Optiro website

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 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 Do goats eat washing in Burkina Faso? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Optiro website

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 geostatistics at Stanford University and both meeting and working with people who went on to make names for themselves around the world. For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Optiro website

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 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? 18:22 What links could you share with listeners? Like to learn more? Deposit-scale structural controls on orogenic gold deposits: an integrated, physical process–based hypothesis and practical targeting implications. Leapfrog 3D Geological Modelling course

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 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? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Contact David Barry - Senior Geostatistician: barry@geovariances.com Optiro website 2-day Recoverable Resources course Links: Wackernagel, H (2013) Basics in Geostatistics 3. Geostatistical Monte-Carlo methods: Conditional Simulation. NERSC, Accessed 17/10/2019. Glacken, I & Blackney, P (1998) A practitioners implementation of indicator kriging, The Geostatistical Association of Australasia “Beyond Ordinary Kriging” Seminar October 30th, 1998  Perth, Western Australia    

Geologists need to make predictions about how much can be extracted from an ore body based on limited data. What can you do to confidently report on the likely tonnage and grade? 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. In this episode: 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? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Contact David Barry - Senior Geostatistician: barry@geovariances.com Optiro website 2-day Recoverable Resources course Links: Geovariances website

Underground grade control is different from open pit grade control and to take you through the depths of their experiences, Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken and geometallurgist Simon Dominy discuss the topic, covering techniques and methods. In this episode: 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? For more information: Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com Contact Simon Dominy - s.dominy@e3geomet.com Optiro website Links: Dominy, S.C., Glass, H.J., O’Connor, L., Lam, C.K., Purevgerel, S. and Minnitt, R.C.A. 2018. Integrating the Theory of Sampling into underground mine grade control strategies. Minerals, 8(232) Dominy, S.C., Glass, H.J., O’Connor, L., Lam, C.K. and Purevgerel, S. 2019. Integrating the Theory of Sampling into underground mine grade control strategies: case studies from gold operations. Minerals, 9(238) Dominy, S.C., Platten, I.M., Xie, Y. and Minnitt, R.C.A. 2011. Underground grade control protocol design: case study from the Liphichi gold project, Larecaja, Bolivia. App. Earth Sci., 119, 205-219