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Sovereign Metals Ltd (LSE:SVRM) has initiated a hydraulic mining trial at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi, marking a significant step in its ongoing Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program. The trial is part of the company’s efforts to optimize mining methods and land restoration practices at the site.
The trial builds upon previous test work conducted during the Kasiya Optimisation Study, which indicated that the soft and friable nature of the Kasiya orebody is conducive to hydraulic mining. Over the course of approximately three months, the trial will involve the backfilling of the primary trial pit, as well as deposition and rehabilitation tests. Fraser Alexander, a leading global firm in hydraulic mining, is conducting the trial following the successful completion of a dry mining test in July 2024.
Frank Eagar, Managing Director and CEO of Sovereign Metals, remarked on the trial's importance: “The insights gained from the dry-mining approach have provided valuable data, and with the start of hydraulic mining tests, we aim to advance to processing and backfilling phases. This trial will provide critical data for further optimizing the project.”
In a notable development, Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited increased its involvement with Sovereign Metals. In July, Rio Tinto committed substantial resources through the issuance of fully paid ordinary shares and unlisted options. Recently, the mining giant opted to further increase its shareholding to 19.9% through an additional investment. This ongoing partnership is overseen by the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee.
The Kasiya orebody, with a resource estimate of 1.8 billion tonnes, is characterized by homogeneous saprolite-hosted mineralization, which eliminates the need for drilling, blasting, crushing, or grinding before processing. The trial will utilize a temporary water storage pond containing six million liters of groundwater to support the hydraulic mining process. Equipment has been mobilized to replicate plant conditions, generating essential data for the optimization study.
A key aspect of the pilot phase is land rehabilitation. Sovereign Metals aims to restore the mined land to conditions that either meet or surpass current agricultural yields. This phase will not only demonstrate successful land rehabilitation to local communities but also refine excavation and backfill techniques, further advancing the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices.
