Rutile-graphite developer Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) has appointed a local specialist firm to drive its social and community work as it advances its Kasiya Project in Malawi.
The $230.83 million market capitalisation company has teamed up with SocialEssence to help build upon existing relationships with local Malawian stakeholders and to design, implement, and manage social and community initiatives.
Importantly, SocialEssence’s work will feed into Sovereign’s Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) work and permitting requirements.
According to Sovereign, SocialEssense has a ‘strong and successful’ track record of implementing social responsibility programs for projects across southern Africa, among which include the First Quantum Minerals’ (ASX:FQM) Sentinel Copper Mine in Zambia.
SocialEssence is led by founder Garth Lappeman, who has more than 16 years of on-the-ground experience in social performance planning and implementation in accordance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety guidelines.
Sovereign Managing Director and CEO Frank Eagar says SocialEssence’s track record and experiences align with the company’s objective of establishing ‘long-lasting and sustainable’ community relationships ahead of project implementation for Kasiya.
“The conservation farming program implemented by SocialEssence’s leaders in Zambia has stood the test of time and has over 7,000 participating farmers.
We will continue to build out our owner’s team and capabilities while we work through Kasiya’a optimisation with Rio Tinto.”
As part of its arrangement with Sovereign, SocialEssence will prepare Kasiya’s Social Impact Assessment and Management plan for the project’s DFS and permitting requirements.
SocialEssence will also prove the feasibility of critical social performance measures for Kasiya, including early local content, livelihood restoration programs, and rehabilitation activities to restore land for agricultural use.
This all aligns with Sovereign Metals’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.
Write to Joshua Smith at Mining.com.au
Images: Sovereign
