Svereign Metals Limited has completed its geotechnical study at its Kasiya Rutile Project in Lilongwe with preliminary findings confirming favourable subsurface conditions for mining development.
The extensive geotechnical investigations represent a critical milestone in the project’s ongoing definitive feasibility study (DFS) and demonstrate continued momentum toward advancing the genuine Tier-1 Kasiya project construction.
In an update, the company said the study wanted to establish how critical mining infrastructure including mining operations, process plants, tailings storage facility, and raw water storage dam would be designed for the project’s development.
Reads the update in part: “Sovereign Metals Limited is pleased to announce the successful completion of comprehensive feasibility-level geotechnical fieldwork programmes at its Kasiya Rutile Graphite Project in Malawi.
“The extensive programmes, conducted by ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd and with oversight from the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee, represent a critical milestone in the project’s ongoing DFS and demonstrate continued momentum toward advancing the genuine Tier-1 Kasiya project.”
Meanwhile, Sovereign Metals managing director and chief executive officer Frank Eagar said more than 400 tests were carried out during the study which forms critical element of its ongoing DFS.
He said completing these comprehensive infield geotechnical programmes marks another significant milestone toward the completion of there DFS and step in their systematic approach towards the development of Kasiya.
The programmes and investigations focused on key infrastructure areas critical to mine development and operations like main access roads, northern process plant, contractors’ and permanent accommodation camps, railway spur, electrical substation, power plant and support facilities, tailings storage facility, and raw water storage dam.
The completion of this study comes a month after Japan-based Toho Titanium Company’s tests confirmed that natural rutile from Kasiya-Rutile Graphite Project is suitable for producing high-performance titanium metal products.
Sovereign Metals has since said the validation from a global manufacture and supplie the most demanding aerospace applications is a huge boost.
It also came after a German firm ProGraphite and Dorfner Anzaplan in February this year confirmed Kasiya Rutile Graphite Project for having high-quality minerals.
In July last year, Ministry of Mining signed two mining development agreements with Lotus Resources Limited for the recommissioning of Kayelekera Uranium Mine Project in Karonga in the third quarter of this year and Lancaster Exploration Limited for the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Elements Mining Project in Phalombe District.
Last financial year, the ministry of mining generated about K1 billion in mining royalties, according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report 2025.
