The Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi has achieved positive results following the completion of its mining trials, confirming that the soft, friable Kasiya ore can be efficiently mined. These trials are part of the Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program.
Developed by Sovereign Metals Limited, the Kasiya Project holds the distinction of being the world’s largest natural rutile deposit.
The pilot phase involved excavating a test pit using conventional dry mining techniques, covering an area of 120m by 110m.
The pit was mined to a depth of 20m, with the mined materials now set to be graded. Backfilling of the test pit is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Sovereign Metals’ Managing Director and CEO, Frank Eagar, expressed satisfaction with the mining trial results, stating that the company is now focused on the rehabilitation demonstration stage, with backfilling already underway.
The findings from this pilot phase are enhancing their understanding of Kasiya and improving the optimization of operations at this world-class project.
As part of the trials, the company also constructed demonstration pits to showcase the potential for land rehabilitation.
The results will guide Sovereign Metals in advancing to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, marking the next phase in the mine’s development.
