{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep 131: Grade Control - at the heart of every successful mine","description":"In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang is joined by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro, to discuss the crucial role of grade control drilling and modelling. Grade control may seem like a technical detail, but it sits at the very heart of every successful mining operation. From reducing risk and maximising value, to ensuring accurate sampling and modelling, Ian shares insights from decades of experience helping mines achieve better outcomes. Whether you're a geologist, mining engineer, or simply curious about how mines make critical decisions, this episode explains why grade control matters and how to get it right. Key moments: 0:00 \u2013 Introduction to the podcast and speakers 1:01 \u2013 Why grade control is essential for profitable mining 2:47 \u2013 Importance of sampling quality and timing 3:20 \u2013 RC drilling vs blast hole drilling: which is best? 4:42 \u2013 Underground grade control: diamond drilling and face sampling 6:01 \u2013 Common issues with face sampling and how to address them 7:30 \u2013 Choosing the right drilling method for your operation 8:27 \u2013 How geology influences grade control strategies 8:40 \u2013 The JORC Code and reporting requirements for grade control 10:34 \u2013 Why grade control isn\u2019t \u201cground truth\u201d but still vital 12:14 \u2013 Final thoughts and takeaways If you would like to contact Ian or Greg: contact@snowdenoptiro.com Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking is available on all major podcast platforms \u2013 subscribe to never miss an episode! Explore more: https:\/\/snowdenoptiro.com\/ \ud83d\udc4d Like, comment, and subscribe for more technical mining insights from our global consulting team. Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally - you can find our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms. 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:&amp;nbsp; training(at)snowdenoptiro.com contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com ","author_name":"Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro","author_url":"https:\/\/snowdenoptiro.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37576565\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/37576565"}