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Sovereign Metals Limited (LSE:SVML) has initiated an infill drilling program at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi. This program is designed to improve the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the southern section of the Kasiya deposit, which is targeted for the initial eight years of production.
Objective of the Drilling Program
The primary goal of the infill drilling is to upgrade the MRE from the Indicated to the Measured category according to the JORC (2012) Code. This upgrade will enable the conversion of Ore Reserves from the Probable to the Proven category. The drilling is focused on the southern part of Kasiya, which includes areas earmarked to supply ore feed for the early years of the project's production schedule.
Drilling Techniques and Oversight
The drilling program, designed and supervised by the Rio Tinto-Sovereign Technical Committee, will utilize a range of methods. The program will include aircore and hand auger drilling, supported by push tube and diamond core drilling. The techniques chosen aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geology and grade continuity within the targeted area.
Details of the Drilling Program
The infill drilling will encompass:
- Aircore Drilling: Over 250 holes, totaling more than 5,000 meters, with an average depth of 20 meters.
- Hand Auger Drilling: Over 250 holes, totaling more than 750 meters, with an average depth of 3 meters.
- Push Tube / Diamond Core Drilling: 30 holes, averaging 20 meters in depth, for geotechnical analysis and sample verification.
- Additional Pits: Several pits, each 3 meters deep, will be excavated to gather detailed rutile grade information from the upper profile and to obtain supplementary geotechnical data.
The drilling will follow an offset grid of 200x200 meters, allowing for an average drill spacing of 142 meters. This spacing will facilitate the analysis of geological and grade continuity in both orthogonal and diagonal directions.
Sample Analysis and Timeline
All samples from the drilling program will be analyzed for rutile and graphite content at offsite laboratories in South Africa. The results of the drilling and the subsequent MRE upgrade are anticipated to be available in early 2025.
Current Status of the Kasiya Deposit
Kasiya is recognized as the world’s largest rutile deposit and the second-largest flake graphite deposit. Currently, over 66% of the existing MRE is classified in the Indicated category.
Future Expectations
The infill drilling program is a critical step in enhancing the accuracy of the resource estimates and supporting the technical studies necessary for advancing the Kasiya Project. Sovereign Metals Limited aims to leverage these improvements to optimize the project's development and production potential.
