Ep 145: Convolution is not what happens to your cables in the field truck! Part 2
Wed Jan 28 2026
Gregory Zhang (Senior Geology Consultant) to talk about what convolution actually means in a geostatistical and geological context, and how it shows up in tools ranging from moving averages to convolutional neural networks (CNNs).
Building on part one of the conversation, they focus on practical use, common pitfalls, and how to combine modern machine learning approaches with classic geostatistics without losing geological control.
Key moments
00:02 – What convolution means in day-to-day geology and resource work
00:51 – Moving averages, detrending and kriging in practice
01:30 – Using external data like magnetics and structure with kriging
02:09 – Common pitfalls: edge effects, over-smoothing and stationarity
05:14 – Letting geological structure guide smoothing
05:17 – A worked example using folded geology and copper grades
06:11 – Where CNNs fit, and how they compare to traditional geostatistics
07:28 – Tools and software for convolution, kriging and CNN workflows
09:05 – When not to use moving averages or CNNs
10:39 – Practical sanity checks after detrending
11:05 – A clear framework for combining geostatistics and machine learning If you work in resource estimation, geostatistics, or applied geology, this episode is packed with practical insights you can take straight back to your own workflows.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain, from out global consulting team.
If you would like to contact Jamie or Gregory: contact@snowdenoptiro.com
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 including Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel. Link to video podcast: https://youtu.be/z5Gz1lYQ0Jg
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/
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Gregory Zhang (Senior Geology Consultant) to talk about what convolution actually means in a geostatistical and geological context, and how it shows up in tools ranging from moving averages to convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Building on part one of the conversation, they focus on practical use, common pitfalls, and how to combine modern machine learning approaches with classic geostatistics without losing geological control. Key moments 00:02 – What convolution means in day-to-day geology and resource work 00:51 – Moving averages, detrending and kriging in practice 01:30 – Using external data like magnetics and structure with kriging 02:09 – Common pitfalls: edge effects, over-smoothing and stationarity 05:14 – Letting geological structure guide smoothing 05:17 – A worked example using folded geology and copper grades 06:11 – Where CNNs fit, and how they compare to traditional geostatistics 07:28 – Tools and software for convolution, kriging and CNN workflows 09:05 – When not to use moving averages or CNNs 10:39 – Practical sanity checks after detrending 11:05 – A clear framework for combining geostatistics and machine learning If you work in resource estimation, geostatistics, or applied geology, this episode is packed with practical insights you can take straight back to your own workflows. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe for more mining-focused technical discussions across the mine value chain, from out global consulting team. If you would like to contact Jamie or Gregory: contact@snowdenoptiro.com 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 including Snowden Optiro's YouTube channel. Link to video podcast: https://youtu.be/z5Gz1lYQ0Jg 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/