Ep 118: Resurrecting Gold Projects - The Data Dilemma

With gold prices at record highs, many companies are looking to breathe new life into historic gold projects - but it's not as simple as picking up where someone else left off.

In this episode, Snowden Optiro's Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant) chats with Jane Levett, Principal Consultant, about the data challenges, validation methods, and practical steps required before an historical project can be re-estimated or brought back into production.

Whether you're a junior explorer or a seasoned mining professional, this episode offers critical insights into what makes or breaks a resource estimate on old ground.

Key points:
00:00 – Introduction: Why historic gold projects are attracting attention
01:00 – Common data quality issues in legacy projects
02:15 – What to check before approaching a consultant
03:00 – The importance of QAQC and how to validate missing data
04:00 – Twin drilling: When, why, and how much
05:20 – Sampling strategies for validating historic holes
06:00 – Selecting which holes to twin (and why geology matters)
07:00 – Using old geological mapping and historical reports
08:00 – Why RAB and aircore drilling may not be reliable
09:00 – The role of survey data in updating pit models
09:50 – Classification risks: What happens without verifiable data
10:30 – Density, depletion and due diligence
11:00 – Final advice: Don't rush in just because gold prices are high

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If you would like to contact Susan or Jane: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

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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 contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

https://snowdenoptiro.com/

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