By: Mining weekly

Mining and exploration company Sovereign Metals completed the test pit backfilling and the start of soil remediation as part of its pilot mining and land rehabilitation programme at the Kasiya rutile/graphite project, in Malawi.

The test pit, excavated during mining trials, was backfilled with 170 000 m3 of mined material within two months – well ahead of schedule.

Using a conventional excavator fleet, Sovereign restored the pit to its original ground level. This achievement not only validated the efficiency of Sovereign’s operational strategies but also set the stage for comprehensive land rehabilitation.

MD and CEO Frank Eagar on December 17 highlighted the significance of this accomplishment, noting that it strengthens community relationships and aligns with the company’s broader goals.

“Returning farmland to local farmers without missing a single planting season underscores our commitment to sustainable development and agricultural resilience,” Eagar stated.

Sovereign has also implemented a structured rehabilitation strategy to restore the mined land, focusing on agronomic principles to promote sustainable farming and diverse land use.

The process begins with the application of locally sourced dolomitic lime to address the naturally low pH levels of the soil, creating a foundation for improved agricultural productivity.

Following the lime treatment, the company enriches the soil with essential nutrients. Organic carbon is introduced through biochar, while fertilisers such as potash, phosphate and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium blends provide the vital elements needed for soil regeneration and crop growth.

Land preparation techniques, meanwhile, ensure the proper integration of these materials into the soil. Grading, ripping and discing are carried out using locally sourced farming equipment, which also levels the land to make it safe and suitable for farming.

Rehabilitation crops are then planted to capitalise on the summer rainfall, enhancing the soil’s carbon levels and bioactivity. Giant bamboo, a key rehabilitation crop, is planted in structured blocks, while maize and cover crops are intercropped between the bamboo. This combination supports soil health while enabling the return of the land to farming, Sovereign said.

The miner has also established a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the progress of soil remediation, plant growth and crop yields.

By collaborating with local farmers, the miner is testing new seed varieties, implementing conservation farming techniques and creating a nursery for indigenous plants. This engagement ensures continuous improvement in rehabilitation outcomes while providing a live demonstration of the land's return to productive use, it said.

This proactive rehabilitation strategy mitigates the environmental impact of mining while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

Local farmers benefit from enhanced farming practices, composting operations and access to a nursery for indigenous and fruit crops.

The outcomes of this programme are pivotal for Sovereign’s ongoing optimisation study at Kasiya, one of the world’s largest undeveloped natural rutile and graphite deposits.

The findings from this test pit will inform future operational strategies, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in sustainable mining practices. Sovereign’s innovative approach offers a replicable model for responsible mining that balances resource extraction with community development and environmental conservation.