Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro30 Huhti 2025

108: Processing the Risk: Metallurgy in Mining Due Diligence

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Tarrant Elkington Snowden Optiro's General Manager, speaks with Dr Leon Lorenzen about the critical role of metallurgical and processing due diligence in mining projects. They explore how process plants are evaluated, why throughput is often a hidden risk, and the challenges of forecasting performance in both operating and new mines. Whether you're reviewing an acquisition or building a new operation, this discussion provides valuable insight into identifying red flags and understanding the real-world complexity behind the numbers.

This podcast at a glance:

00:20 – What due diligence really means in a processing context

01:30 – Using the process design baseline to evaluate plant performance

03:00 – Why high recoveries can be misleading without throughput context

04:50 – Common red flags: when ounces look good, but costs and feed rates don't

07:00 – The importance of test work and geological input in forecasting

09:30 – Case study: transition from open pit to underground and its impact on throughput

10:00 – Unique risks with new mines and the ramp-up phase

13:00 – Why expertise and independent evaluation are essential for sound investment decisions

If you would like to contact Tarrant and Leon: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking about the mining industry.

This video 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.

Find out more about Snowden Optiro: https://snowdenoptiro.com
Professional Development Training: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(169)

EP 170 | Part 1 of 2: Why the Most Expensive Mistake in Grade Control Isn't Low Grade

What if the most expensive mistake in grade control isn't mining low-grade material — but making the wrong decision about what is ore and what is waste? In this two-part episode of Fresh Thinking by S...

12 Elo 4min

EP 169 | Why Good Estimates Can Still Produce Poor Reconciliation

If your resource model is statistically robust, why doesn't it always reconcile with production? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Melanie Bulley and Senzeni Mandava Matondi explore...

6 Elo 6min

EP 168 | When Geology Isn't Enough - Using Categorical Indicator Kriging to Model Diffuse Mineralisation

How do you model mineralisation when geological boundaries aren't clearly defined? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , Senior Consultant, Melanie Bulley is joined by Principal Cons...

29 Heinä 8min

EP 166 | What Consultants See That Mine Sites Miss: Lessons in Mine-to-Mill Reconciliation

What do consultants see that mine sites often miss? In this episode of Fresh Thinking bySnowden Optiro, Rayleen Hargreaves is joined by Ian Glacken to discuss the most common mine-to-mill reconciliati...

1 Heinä 11min

EP 164 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: Which Commodities Matter Most?

Which commodities matter most in the global race for critical and strategic minerals? In this episode of @SnowdenOptiro Fresh Thinking podcast, Senzeni Mandava Matondi is joined by Julian Aldridge a...

29 Touko 5min

EP 163 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: What's the Difference?

What makes a mineral critical? What makes it strategic? And why are governments around the world racing to secure supplies of certain commodities? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro ,...

29 Touko 10min

EP 162 | AI in Mining: Tool or Threat to Geologists?

Will AI replace geologists? In this episode of Fresh Thinking by @SnowdenOptiro , we explore how artificial intelligence is being used across the mining industry, from exploration targeting and core ...

29 Touko 22min

EP 161 | Private vs Public Mining Companies: CRIRSCO Compliance Explained

What are the key differences between private mining companies and publicly listed mining companies when it comes to project development, risk, and reporting? In this episode of ‪@SnowdenOptiro‬ 's Fre...

28 Touko 13min