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Highlights

  • Sovereign Metals concluded DFS-level geotechnical testing across mining, TSF, and raw water dam sites.
  • Preliminary results show consistent subsurface conditions enabling standardised foundation and design approaches.
  • Over 400 field and lab tests were conducted with oversight from the Sovereign–Rio Tinto Technical Committee.

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX: SVM) has completed a comprehensive series of feasibility-level geotechnical investigations at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi. The program marks a major input into the ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and covered all key infrastructure sites, including mining areas, a tailings storage facility (TSF), and a raw water storage dam.

The studies, conducted in coordination with ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd and overseen by the Sovereign–Rio Tinto Technical Committee, involved over 400 individual field tests and supporting laboratory analyses. Techniques included rotary core drilling, cone penetration testing with pore pressure measurements, dynamic probing, seismic geophysics, and multiple auger and trench investigations.

Initial findings indicate favourable geological conditions aligned with regional expectations. The data shows stratigraphic consistency across development areas, with typical profiles comprising surface topsoil, transported materials, weathered gneiss, and transition into soft to hard rock with depth. These findings are expected to support standardised foundation designs and simplify construction planning for future infrastructure works.

Ferricrete within the transported horizon was identified as a potentially suitable material for engineered fill, further contributing to site efficiency. The final data sets from this program will be incorporated into detailed engineering design and infrastructure layout planning as part of the Kasiya DFS.

The fieldwork focused on critical development zones including process plant areas, accommodation sites, road and rail corridors, power infrastructure, and key hydrological structures. According to the company, the systematic approach to subsurface characterisation will contribute to safe and efficient infrastructure design as the DFS progresses.