Ep 134: The Interface Challenge - bridging the gap between geologists and mining engineers

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Tarrant Elkington (Snowden Optiro General Manager) joins Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) to explore the all-too-common disconnect between geologists and mining engineers.

Tarrant talks about the results from the more than 100 professionals that generously responded to his survey - helping geologists and engineers understand how differences in approach, communication, and expectations can impact project success.

Tune in to hear what both sides really think - and how better collaboration can make all the difference.

Key Time Points:
0:42 – How the idea for the "Interface Challenge" talk came about
1:56 – What is "the interface" between geologists and mining engineers?
2:46 – Why communication breakdowns can impact project success
3:44 – Insights from surveying over 100 professionals
5:00 – What questions were asked in the survey (and how long it really took!)
6:15 – Are geologists and mining engineers aligned – or speaking different languages?
7:30 – The preparation stage: Do geologists and engineers actually talk before modelling?
9:34 – Model handover: why documentation matters
10:43 – What's inside a good resource model (and what's often missing)
12:00 – Advanced estimation methods – how common are they really?
14:24 – Recoverable models and misunderstandings in mine planning
15:44 – Dilution: who's responsible, the geologist or the mining engineer?
17:09 – Surprising results from the survey
18:38 – Why perception gaps exist between the two disciplines
19:45 – Practical steps to improve collaboration and communication

If you would like to contact Tarrant or Susan: contact@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.

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