Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) has begun upgrading of the 399km Nkaya-Mchinji Section Railway connecting the Malawi-Zambia border to the Nacala Logistics Corridor (NLC) and which runs across its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project tenements.
Refurbishment of that part of the railway mainline, which connects the Kanengo junction in the Lilongwe District where Kasiya is located to the NLC junction at Nkaya is near completion.
Rehabilitation of the railway is an initiative by Malawi’s Ministry of Transport and Public Works and forms part of the Government of Malawi’s Rail Strategy and Growth Plan, which has the stated mission “to facilitate the provision of a safe, efficient, and sustainable rail transport system” to “promote socio-economic development”.
The company says the works will increase efficiency and capacity of the railway and are being undertaken by CEAR.
Completion is planned for the end of 2024.
Works include refurbishing railway bridges and re-ballasting to handle increased load-bearing capacity from a current maximum axle load of 15 tonnes to 18 tonnes.
Managing Director Frank Eagar says Kasiya already benefits from exceptional existing infrastructure in central Malawi and this refurbishment project re-affirms Kasiya’s logistics solution “with sufficient rail capacity, enhanced reliability and a direct connection to the deep-water export Port of Nacala”.
“The infrastructure investment by CEAR and Nacala Logistics along with approvals from the Malawi Government is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to achieving its major economic development goals which include developing the mining industry and increasing Malawi’s export market,” Eagar says.
Sovereign Metals says Kasiya benefits from two options for transporting its rutile and graphite products from the mine operations to seaports, being the Nacala Logistics Corridor to the Port of Nacala and the Sena Rail Line to the Port of Beira (Beira Corridor).
The current upgrades to the Nkaya junction improve access to the NLC and will ultimately also improve access to the Beira Corridor, the company adds.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Sovereign Metals
