Sovereign Metals Ltd (ASX:SVM, OTC:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) has confirmed its mining method and completed fleet design for the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi, marking a major DFS milestone. The equipment, designed for large-scale dry mining, follows 2024 pilot trials that validated the efficiency of conventional dry mining techniques for Kasiya’s soft, saprolite-hosted mineralisation.
The fleet plan covers both primary and support operations for the initial 25-year mine life, with around 200 units to be acquired over the period, including replacements. CEO Frank Eagar said the phased deployment strategy reflects disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency while ensuring low operating costs, flexibility and reliability.
Highlights
- Mining fleet design finalised as part of Kasiya Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
- Fleet engineered for large-scale dry mining following successful pilot trials.
- No drilling, blasting, crushing or milling required — supporting low capital and operating costs.
- Supplier selection completed for all operational requirements across the 25-year mine life.
- Phased deployment from 36 units in Year 1 to 81 units at peak operations.
- Leading suppliers identified, including Caterpillar (CAT), Komatsu, Liebherr, Hitachi and others.
- Fleet selection completed with Rio Tinto–SVM Technical Committee oversight.
"The successful validation of our dry mining approach through comprehensive pilot phase trials has enabled us to design a fleet that delivers on our commitment to industry-leading low operating costs while maintaining exceptional operational flexibility and reliability," Sovereign Metals CEO Frank Eagar said.
"The strategic phased deployment demonstrates our disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational efficiency. 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.”
Equipment composition and phased deployment
The mining fleet will include three 350-tonne draglines, six large excavators (±230 tonnes), 51 mine trucks (777 class or equivalent), and eight 100-tonne front-end loaders.
Support gear will comprise 18 dozers and graders, 21 articulated dump trucks, and 68 light and ancillary vehicles. Initial deployment will start with 36 units, expanding to 81 units at peak operations.
Komatsu large mining excavator loading a mining truck (Source: Komatsu).
Multiple global suppliers have been identified, with CAT as a primary supplier across categories, Komatsu for excavators and trucks, Liebherr for draglines, and Volvo and Bell for specialised vehicles. The multi-supplier strategy is aimed at competitive procurement, availability and ongoing support.
Dry mining advantages and DFS progress
Pilot trials confirmed that no drilling, blasting, crushing, grinding, or milling is required prior to processing, reducing costs and improving safety.
Trial Mining operations at Kasiya during the 2024 pilot phase.
Dragline mining, selected for its extended reach, fewer relocations, and consistent material blending, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and environmental outcomes. The DFS continues with work on process plant optimisation, infrastructure and logistics planning, and environmental and social impact assessments.
Previous milestones include geotechnical studies, product testwork, and a power supply memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi.