DFS Progressing with Completion of Geotech Program

Sovereign Metals

23/07/2025 07:00

RNS Number : 1924S

Sovereign Metals Limited

23 July 2025

 

NEWS RELEASE I 23 JULY 2025

DFS PROGRESSING WELL WITH COMPLETION OF GEOTECHNICAL PROGRAM

·    Extensive DFS-level geotechnical investigations completed across all critical infrastructure locations

·    Over 400 individual tests conducted covering mining infrastructure, TSF and raw water dam

·    Preliminary findings confirm favourable subsurface conditions aligned with regional geology

·  Consistent stratigraphy and suitable subsurface conditions to enable more standardised foundation designs and construction approaches across infrastructure areas

·   Final results will support detailed engineering design and de-risk infrastructure planning as part of the ongoing Kasiya DFS

·  Programs were designed and conducted with oversight from the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee

 

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM; AIM:SVML; OTCQX: SVMLF) (Sovereign or the Company) is pleased to announce the successful completion of comprehensive feasibility-level geotechnical fieldwork programs at its Kasiya Rutile Graphite Project (Kasiya or the Project) in Malawi.

The extensive programs, conducted by ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd and with oversight from the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee, represent a critical milestone in the Project's ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and demonstrate continued momentum toward advancing the genuine Tier-1 Kasiya project.

The geotechnical investigations provide essential subsurface data that will inform detailed engineering design and infrastructure planning across major Project components. The comprehensive scope covered critical infrastructure areas including mining operations, process plants, tailings storage facility (TSF), and raw water storage dam - representing the foundational elements required for the Project's development.

Managing Director and CEO Frank Eagar commented: "Completing these comprehensive infield geotechnical programs marks another significant milestone towards the completion of our DFS and another step in our systematic approach towards the development of Kasiya."

Understanding subsurface conditions is essential for predicting interactions between in-situ geological strata and the overlying infrastructure. The geotechnical data will inform the design of foundations, earthworks, slope stability measures, and material suitability; ultimately contributing to safe, efficient, and cost-effective development.

The fieldwork programs employed a sophisticated combination of near-surface and deep investigation techniques across the project site, with over 400 individual tests conducted to characterise soil and rock profiles comprehensively.

Geotechnical Programs Summary

The owner's team conducted various geotechnical programs and investigations essential for understanding the physical properties of the ground for proposed infrastructure.  The programs and investigations focused on key infrastructure areas critical to mine development and operations:

·    Mining Infrastructure: Main access roads, northern process plant, contractors' and permanent accommodation camps, railway spur, electrical substation, power plant, and support facilities,

·    TSF, and

·    Raw Water Dam.

Activities focused on characterising soil and rock profiles. Field testing included both general and advanced techniques:

·    Rotary Core Drilling with standard penetration testing,

·    Cone Penetration Test with pore pressure measurements (CPTu),

·    Dynamic Probe Super Heavy (DPSH),

·    Geophysics: active seismic activities such as multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW),

·    Spiral Auger Drilling,

·    Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP),

·    Trenches, and

·    Test pitting.

In parallel with the field testing, representative soil and rock samples, both disturbed and undisturbed, were collected throughout the investigation for laboratory analysis.

Table 1: Key Statistics per Development Area
Development Area
Investigation Method
Number of Tests
Approximate Total Depth Investigated (m)
Mining Infrastructure
Test Pits
112
560
DCP
92
92
Rotary Core Drilling
18
450
DPSH
11
165
TSF
Test Pits
51
255
Rotary Core Drilling
10
250
CPTu
22
310
MASW
15
13,000
Raw Water Dam
Trenches
6
720
Auger Drilling
41
248
Rotary Core Drilling
29
435

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Initial results indicate highly favourable subsurface conditions that correlate well with the expected regional geology. The material profiles encountered across all infrastructure sites show generally consistent stratigraphy comprising the following:

·    Surface topsoil horizon,

·    Underlying transported horizon of variable origin (aeolian, colluvium, and alluvium),

·    Reworked residual gneiss transitioning to residual gneiss with depth,

·    Deeply weathered soil profile consistently observed across the areas,

·    The weathered soil profile transitioning to extremely soft to very soft rock, and ultimately into hard rock at greater depths, and

·    Subsurface materials are generally derived from gneissic bedrock.

Consistent stratigraphy and suitable subsurface conditions to enable more standardised foundation designs and construction approaches across infrastructure areas, potentially reducing engineering complexity and construction costs.

Significantly, ferricrete identified within the transported horizon has been assessed as potentially reusable as engineered fill material.

The completion of these geotechnical programs represents continued strong execution of the DFS workstreams. The findings will be integrated into detailed engineering design work to optimise infrastructure placement, foundation design, and construction methodologies.

Figure 1: CPTu rig

Figure 2: MASW Testing

Figure 3: Auger Drilling

Figure 4: Geotechnical diamond drilling

Enquiries
Frank Eagar, Managing Director & CEO
South Africa / Malawi
+27 21140 3190
Sapan Ghai, CCO
London
+44 207 478 3900

 

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
+44 20 3470 0470
Ewan Leggat
Charlie Bouverat
Joint Broker
Stifel
+44 20 7710 7600
Varun Talwar
Ashton Clanfield
Buchanan
+ 44 20 7466 5000

 

Forward Looking Statement  

This release may include forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovereign's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Sovereign, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Sovereign makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release. 

 

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