Ep 149: Building Resource Estimation Logic in Excel

In this episode of Fresh Thinking, Susan Havlin (Managing Consultant APAC) speaks with Dr Gregory Zhang (Senior Consultant APAC) about using Excel as a transparent learning environment for geostatistics. Rather than relying on black-box software, they explore how building the logic step by step in a spreadsheet can strengthen intuition, improve data discipline and deepen technical confidence. Whether you are a geologist, resource modeller or mining professional wanting to better understand what sits behind the software, this episode breaks down the thinking that underpins robust estimation. 🔎 In this episode: 00:01 – Why the Excel World Championship is more relevant to geologists than you might think 02:02 – Why Excel is a powerful tool for learning geostatistics 06:27 – Building variograms from scratch: pairs, distances and continuity 09:24 – Understanding kriging as a system of equations 12:03 – Simple validation routines to keep yourself honest 13:02 – Can Excel help you understand machine learning? If you want to move beyond "clicking the kriging button" and truly understand the mechanics behind resource estimation, this conversation is for you. If you would like to contact Susan and Greg: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com 🎧 Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro is available as an audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, and in video format on Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel. If you need further assistance in using Excel, we have 2 courses that might interest you: 1-day Essential Excel Skills for Geologists and our 1-day Advanced Excel Skills for Kriging & Simulation. Both courses are presented by Dr Gregory Zhang. Link to training courses: https://snowdenoptiro.com/professional-development/ 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. 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/