Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro10 Apr 2025

105: The Hidden Lever in Mine Planning

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken interviews Senior Mining Consultant Pedro Ladeira on a topic that's often overlooked—but critically important: fixed costs in strategic mine planning.

This podcast at a glance:

00:00 – Introduction: Why fixed costs matter in mine planning

01:00 – How variable costs are typically applied in mine plans

02:20 – What are conditional fixed costs and why they matter

03:50 – Impact of fixed costs on strategic planning and scheduling

05:10 – Reclaiming low-grade stockpiles and the role of fixed cost reduction

06:30 – Fixed vs variable costs in processing plants

07:45 – Stockpiling strategy and mine life optimisation

08:50 – When to start accounting for fixed costs in planning

09:30 – Final thoughts: Using fixed costs to optimise your NPV

This is a must-listen for anyone involved in mine planning, financial modelling, or operational strategy.

If you would like to contact Pedro or Ian: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

🔔 Subscribe for more Fresh Thinking on mining strategy, geology, and resource optimisation.

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 at https://snowdenoptiro.com

https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/

#MinePlanning #MiningStrategy #FixedCosts #NPV #MiningPodcast #SnowdenOptiro #FreshThinking

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