Value Hive Podcast Tim Elliott: Geology 101 For Generalist Investors
Nov 7, 2025
Tim Elliott, an old-school geologist and exploration specialist, shares wisdom on how geology intersects with investing. He explains the importance of understanding drill results and deposit geometry to spot promising ventures. Tim discusses the value of a solid geological team over flashy management. He also emphasizes the significance of validating geological claims and the cyclical challenges faced in the industry. With tips on interpreting data and recognizing genuine opportunities, Tim equips listeners with the tools to navigate the junior resource sector.
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True Thickness Trumps Intercept Length
- Drill intercept length can be misleading because it often reports apparent thickness, not true thickness.
- True thickness reveals actual ore width and requires understanding deposit geometry to assess value.
Most Anomalies Are Small, Not Giant
- Many surface anomalies and drill intercepts come from small, uneconomic deposits (e.g., 10,000 oz) that are common.
- Releases showing anomalies don't distinguish between tiny common deposits and rare giant deposits.
Validate Interpretations Across Drill Phases
- Compare successive drilling phases and their interpreted sections to see if interpretations validate over time.
- If each drilling phase supports prior sections, the team likely understands the deposit geometry.