MALAWI - Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM; AIM:SVML; OTCQX: SVMLF) has initiated rehabilitation efforts at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi following the successful backfilling of a test pit, the company announced. The rehabilitation process is aimed at restoring the land for sustainable farming after mining activities, aligning with the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The test pit, which was excavated during the Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program, has been refilled with run-of-mine material. The backfilling operation, which involved 170,000 cubic meters of material, was completed ahead of schedule using a conventional excavator fleet. This rapid turnaround has allowed the land to be returned to local farmers without missing a planting season, bolstering Sovereign's relationship with the community.
Frank Eagar, Managing Director and CEO of Sovereign, stated, "The successful backfilling of the test pit has confirmed our understanding of the Kasiya orebody and provides valuable data for our Optimisation Study." Eagar highlighted the importance of demonstrating the company's ability to rehabilitate land efficiently, noting that the initiative will benefit local farmers who participate in Sovereign's conservation farming programs.
The rehabilitation process involves a five-step approach, including the introduction of lime to correct soil pH levels, the addition of organic carbon and basic nutrients, and the incorporation of these materials into the soil using local farming equipment. The company plans to plant rehabilitation crops such as giant bamboo and maize, which will utilize the upcoming summer rainfall to enhance soil conditions.
Sovereign Metals will continue to monitor soil remediation, plant growth, and crop yields, working closely with local farmers to improve agricultural practices. The initiative is part of the company's broader strategy to ensure that mining activities have a minimal long-term impact on the land and to support the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.
The announcement is based on a press release statement from Sovereign Metals Limited. The company's shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange, the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (LON:LSEG), and the OTCQX market in the United States.
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