What separates a good resource estimate from a risky one?

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Snowden Optiro’s Executive Consultants Ian Glacken and Bob Jankovic discuss the hard-won lessons of resource estimation. From understanding mineralisation trends to the art (and science) of capping, they explore what really matters when building confidence in your numbers.

With decades of operational, financial, and geological experience between them, Ian and Bob share war stories and insights that every geologist, estimator, and investor should hear.

Whether you're a resource geologist, a mining executive, or just curious how models turn into mines... this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

1:12 – Why good geology is always step one
2:00 – The hidden weakness: poor analysis of grade population
2:54 – “Push-button” modelling and what it misses
4:01 – Lessons from Detour Gold 5:09 – Capping gone wrong: real examples and consequences 6:30 – The problem with grade shells that ignore geology
7:43 – Is search-radius capping a solution or a trap?
9:02 – Why operational experience sharpens estimation instincts
10:00 – Getting composite length right (and why defaults don’t work)
11:06 – Domains, domains, domains: the heart of good estimation
12:04 – Gold price surges, rushed feasibility studies, and risky shortcuts
13:10 – When prices drop, your resource estimate better hold up
13:47 – Wrapping up: optimism about the next generation in mining

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If you would like to contact Ian and Bob: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn and all your favourite podcast platforms.

Who we are:
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.

For training or consulting enquiries: training(at)snowdenoptiro.com and contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

https://snowdenoptiro.com/