Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) is on schedule with groundworks underway for the ongoing Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program at the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi is on schedule with groundworks underway.
Managing Director Frank Eagar says the pilot phase is a step-change for Kasiya and demonstrates Sovereign Metals’ ability to execute in Malawi.
“The early works are progressing as planned: on schedule and within budget. We are very pleased with the progress and specifically how the mobile fleet is performing in the soft saprolite ore, confirming our understanding of how simple mining, with no drilling or blasting required, will contribute to low operating costs,” he says.
Sovereign says the construction fleet is on-site with groundwork to excavate the water storage pond and construct the test areas currently underway. Site equipment is currently moving 5,000 cubic metres of earth daily. The fleet consists of four excavators, 20 trucks and a support fleet, including two bulldozers and a motor grader.
Multinational engineering and construction company Mota Engil Group has been appointed to perform all excavation required for site establishment, the water storage pond, the test pit, seven rehabilitation pits, site closure, and general rehabilitation of the site.
South Africa-based consultancy Fraser Alexander has been contracted to complete the hydraulic mining phase.
Backfill, storage and tailings management will be assessed by South African residue management solutions consultancy Epoch Resources, which has a 25-year track record.
International engineering company DRA Global has been appointed to oversee and provide engineering and design services required during the pilot phase.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
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