Ep150: Mineral Resource Estimation: What Really Is "Industry Standard"?

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, our General Manager Dr Tarrant Elkington speaks with Senior Consultant Dr Gregory (Greg) Zhang about a common question in the mining industry: what is the real industry standard in mineral resource estimation?

Drawing on experience reviewing projects across a range of commodities and deposit types, Greg discusses current practices in data management, QAQC, geological domaining, estimation methods such as kriging, and resource reporting.

The conversation also explores how practices are evolving and the emerging role of simulation methods and machine learning in resource estimation.

Key topics:
00:01 – Introduction and the motivation behind the study
03:30 – Data quality and common database issues
07:20 – QAQC and confidence in data
10:30 – Geological domaining and understanding deposits
16:20 – Estimation methods and industry trends
20:10 – Resource reporting and common pitfalls
25:00 – Future trends in resource estimation

If you would like to contact Tarrant and Greg: 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/