Sovereign Metals has made significant progress in rehabilitating land at its Kasiya rutile/graphite project in Malawi following its pilot mining and land rehabilitation program.
The company announced on March 5 that soil remediation work was completed in December, allowing landowners to plant and cultivate crops without missing a planting season.
“The successful return of farmers to their land within such a short time after mining and backfilling 170,000 m³ is an excellent outcome.
This strengthens our community relationships and demonstrates our commitment to responsible mining,” said Sovereign MD and CEO Frank Eagar.
The company expanded its conservation farming program from 90 farmers during the pilot phase to 350 for this season. Early indicators suggest this second phase will surpass the 300% yield increases achieved in the pilot phase.
Data from these trials will directly inform the definitive feasibility study on mine closure and land rehabilitation.
Soil remediation and planting were conducted using both manual labor and farming equipment, with local landowners actively involved in the process.
Sovereign is working closely with these landowners to ensure strong crop yields while also testing a variety of rehabilitation crops, including intercropping giant bamboo with maize.
All mined-out land will be rehabilitated for sustainable farming, with soil revitalization expected within two to three years.
Remediation efforts, which include soil restoration to a depth of one meter, are designed to support both small-scale and commercial farming in the long term.
Sovereign’s rehabilitation strategy follows a five-step agronomic process:
- Lime Application (Completed) – Locally sourced dolomitic lime was used to neutralize soil acidity.
- Carbon and Nutrient Enrichment (Completed) – Organic carbon, biochar, and fertilizers were introduced to restore soil fertility.
- Soil Preparation (Completed) – The land was leveled, graded, ripped, and disced for optimal planting conditions.
- Planting Rehabilitation Crops (In Progress) – Various crops, including giant bamboo and maize, were planted to enhance soil health.
- Monitoring and Evaluation (In Progress) – Ongoing assessment of soil quality, plant growth, and crop yields, with input from local farmers.
As part of its broader sustainability efforts, Sovereign has established a demonstration site for ongoing rehabilitation research.
The company is also supporting local farmers with conservation farming techniques, composting, seed variety testing, and an indigenous fruit and farming nursery.
By integrating community involvement and sustainable farming practices, Sovereign Metals is ensuring the timely return of land to productive use while reinforcing its commitment to responsible resource development.
