Mining & Trade News

Malawi's Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, together with the Principal Secretary and a delegation of senior Ministry officials, recently visited Sovereign Services' laboratory and Kasiya Trial Mining and Rehabilitation Site to receive an overview of the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project and review progress since completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain first-hand insight into the technical, environmental, social and economic work undertaken during the DFS, and to discuss the Project's potential contribution to Malawi's long-term development.

During presentations and site inspections, the delegation reviewed the scale of technical studies completed, the Company's environmental management approach, rehabilitation trial, early community development programs and agricultural initiatives designed as proof of concept of sustainable livelihoods alongside future mining activities.

Discussions also explored the broader opportunities the Project could create for Malawi, including employment and skills development, growth of local businesses through procurement, agricultural productivity programs, community development initiatives, foreign exchange earnings and potential downstream industrial development.

The delegation toured Sovereign Services' laboratory, where they were introduced to the scientific capability supporting the Project, before visiting the rehabilitation trial site to observe the Company's approach to progressive rehabilitation and post-mining land restoration.

Particular interest was shown in the integrated agricultural development strategy, including conservation farming initiatives that aim to improve agricultural productivity while creating lasting benefits for farming households within the Project area.

Minister Tembo noted the importance of responsible mine development that balances economic opportunity with sound environmental management and long-term benefits for Malawians.

"One of the things that government worries about is legacy mines. When people are done with their mining, they move on and leave a lot of pits everywhere, and these are usually an environmental hazard. So, to see that Sovereign Services has a plan for what they are going to do afterwards is something that is comforting to government."

Sovereign Services Country Manager Maxwell Kazako thanked the Minister and delegation for visiting the Project and reaffirmed the Company's commitment to responsible project development.

"We appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate the work that has been undertaken since 2019 and to showcase the breadth of studies completed through the Definitive Feasibility Study. Our objective is to develop the Project responsibly, working closely with Government, local communities and other stakeholders to deliver lasting benefits for Malawi."

The visit concluded with constructive discussions on the Project's progress and the opportunities it presents through responsible development, environmental stewardship and long-term investment in people, communities and the Malawian economy.

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