Ep 142: Mining's Blind Spot - when Geology and Metallurgy don't talk

In this episode of the Fresh Thinking podcast, Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Geology Consultant) is joined by Dr Leon Lorenzen (Executive Consultant Metallurgy) to talk about the practical realities of geometallurgy and why linking geology, mineralogy and processing really matters.

The conversation draws on real project experience, highlighting the risks of disconnects between resource models and plant performance, especially for complex ore bodies.

A thoughtful discussion for geologists, metallurgists and mine planners working with increasingly challenging deposits.

Key moments from the episode:
1:45 – Why geometallurgical models are often created but not used in operations
3:50 – How hardness, mineralogy and recovery should feed into daily plant decisions
6:40 – The challenge of limited data and confidence in geomet modelling
9:10 – Why sulphides, preg-robbing carbon and mineral associations matter
16:50 – When a geometallurgical model really is essential, and when it may not be

If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain.

If you would like to contact Gregory or Leon: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

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Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. 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/

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