Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM, OTC:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) has appointed Africa-based specialist consultancy SocialEssence to lead social and community development programs at the Kasiya Project in Malawi – where the company hosts the world's largest natural rutile deposit.
Under the partnership, SocialEssence will help design, implement and manage several social and community initiatives that will feed into the DFS and permitting requirements.
The appointment aligns with the company’s objective to develop a socially responsible and sustainable operation that will provide significant long-term and sustainable benefits to local communities at Kasiya.
As well as being the largest natural rutile deposit, Kasiya is the second-largest flake graphite deposit in the world.
“Exemplary track record”
Sovereign managing director and CEO Frank Eagar said: “The SocialEssence exemplary track record and implementation experience aligns with our objectives of establishing long-lasting and sustainable community relationships well ahead of project implementation.
“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’s optimisation with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO).”
Forward plan
SocialEssence will:
- prepare Kasiya’s Social Impact Assessment and Management Plan for the DFS and permitting;
- design, implement and manage social performance activities including stakeholder engagement, and development of key relationships;
- prove the feasibility of critical social performance measures (including early local content, piloting of livelihood restoration programs and piloting of rehabilitation activities to restore land for agricultural use); and
- align with the company’s ESG Framework.
About Kasiya Project
Sovereign is aiming to develop a low-CO2 and sustainable operation at Kasiya to supply highly sought-after natural rutile and graphite to global markets.
Notably, results of the PFS released in late 2023, demonstrated Kasiya’s potential to produce 222,000 tonnes of rutile per annum and 244,000 tonnes per annum of natural graphite based on an initial 25-year life-of-mine.