Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) confirms its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi can be mined using conventional dry mining techniques.
Confirmation of the mining method follows completion of the mining fleet design for Kasiya, representing another milestone in the ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
The company has now finalised the selection of mining equipment specifically designed for large-scale dry mining operations at Kasiya.
It has identified global equipment manufacturers as potential suppliers, including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr, Hitachi, and Volvo.
CAT will be the primary supplier across multiple equipment categories, while Komatsu will be the major supplier for excavators, trucks, and support equipment, and Liebherr the specialist supplier for draglines and excavators. Hitachi will be the supplier for excavators and support equipment, and Volvo for specific equipment categories.
The company says the DFS continues to progress including process plant design optimisation, infrastructure and logistics planning, and environmental and social impact assessments.
Following the 2024 pilot phase mining trials that confirmed Kasiya ore can be mined using conventional dry mining techniques, the comprehensive fleet design encompasses both primary mining operations and support activities across the proposed initial 25-year life of mine.
The dry mining approach, which is detailed in the recent optimised Prefeasibility Study (PFS), is poised to deliver operational flexibility and positive environmental outcomes.
The fleet deployment follows a strategic phased approach, with a total of more than 200 equipment units to be purchased over the mine life, including replacements.
Sovereign Metals CEO Frank Eagar says the validation of the dry mining approach through pilot phase trials has enabled the company to design a fleet that delivers on its commitment to low operating costs while maintaining operational flexibility and reliability.
“The strategic phased deployment demonstrates our disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational efficiency,” says Eagar.
“Our dragline-based dry mining method offers superior safety, operational flexibility and environmental outcomes, while our multi-supplier strategy ensures competitive procurement and ongoing support.
“This milestone brings us closer to our DFS completion and demonstrates the systematic progress we are making across all work streams.”
The mining fleet has been designed to support the project’s large-scale, low-cost mining operation and includes draglines, large excavators, mine trucks, front end loaders, as well as dozers and graders and articulated dump trucks.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Sovereign
