Ep 141: Mineable Shape Optimisation (MSO) - where geology, cost, and design intersect

Mineable Shape Optimisation (MSO) sits at the intersection of geology, mining engineering, and economics. Used well, it helps teams move beyond theoretical resources and towards designs that reflect what will actually be mined. In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Resource Geologist) and Hamish Guthrie (Managing Consultant - Mining) discuss how MSO works, why it matters, and where it can add real value. They discuss the economic logic behind MSO, the importance of geological understanding, and how assumptions around cost, dilution, and mining method influence the outcomes. Key moments 00:02 – What MSO is and why it's used in underground mining 01:53 – The economic logic behind MSO and cut-off decisions 02:48 – Geological inputs that matter most for MSO outcomes 04:49 – How MSO actually works under the hood 06:13 – Comparing underground MSO with open pit optimisation 08:09 – Using MSO to manage dilution in narrow vein deposits 10:30 – Sensitivities, parameters, and study-level considerations 11:17 – Common pitfalls and how to avoid them 14:49 – A practical MSO workflow: inputs, outputs, and communication 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 Hamish: [email protected] Listen on the go: Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is rapidly becoming the best mining podcast globally, and is available on all major podcast platforms.  👍 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/