Sovereign Metals Limited: Drilling Triples Mineralised Area at Kasiya
Sovereign Metals Limited (the Company or Sovereign) is pleased to announce Phase 7 drill results from Kasiya, the Company’s flagship, large, high-grade rutile deposit in Malawi. This substantial batch of drill-holes has tripled the rutile-mineralised footprint to ~66km2.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Phase 7 drilling has substantially extended the strike length of the rutile-mineralised envelope to over 16km with widths of up to 6km (previously ~7.5km by up to 3km)
- Mineralised envelope has tripled in footprint size to ~66km2 (previously ~22km2)
- Numerous new areas of high-grade rutile defined (see highlight results on page 2)
Figure 1. Kasiya drill plan showing rutile-mineralised envelope with the new extended areas identified in the Phase 7 extensional drill-holes.
- Key Phase 7 extensional and infill hand auger rutile drilling results include;
Extensional drill-hole results
- 9m @ 1.02% inc. 4m @ 1.30% rutile
- 13m @ 1.01% inc. 3m @ 1.32% rutile
- 8m @ 1.43% inc. 5m @ 1.60% rutile
- 10m @ 1.41% inc. 4m @ 1.88% rutile
- 8m @ 1.15% inc. 4m @ 1.73% rutile
- 9m @ 1.00% inc. 4m @ 1.25% rutile
- 14m @ 0.96% inc. 4m @ 1.66% rutile
-
- 13m @ 1.02% inc. 5m @ 1.30% rutile
-
- 12m @ 1.47% inc. 4m @ 2.00% rutile
- 11m @ 1.05% inc. 5m @ 1.36% rutile
- 8m @ 0.81% inc. 4m @ 1.08% rutile
- 12m @ 0.79% inc. 4m @ 1.15% rutile
- 14m @ 0.86% inc. 4m @ 1.24% rutile
- 12m @ 1.07% inc. 4m @ 1.63% rutile
- 12m @ 1.07% incl. 8m @ 1.18% rutile
- 12m @ 0.99% inc. 2m @ 1.30% rutile
Infill drill-hole results
- 12m @ 1.01% inc. 4m @ 1.24% rutile
- 16m @ 1.16% inc. 4m @ 1.60% rutile
-
- 6m @ 1.17% inc. 2m @ 2.18% rutile
- 9m @ 1.27% inc. 2m @ 2.00% rutile
- 7m @ 1.27% inc. 2m @ 1.92% rutile
- 10m @ 1.19% inc. 2m @ 1.31% rutile
- 8m @ 1.47% inc. 2m @ 1.60% rutile
- 13m @ 0.94% inc. 3m @ 1.76% rutile
-
Sovereign’s Managing Director Dr Julian Stephens commented:
“This is an incredible outcome with a three-fold increase of the rutile-mineralised footprint to over 66km2. These new drill results show a step-change increase in the potential size of Kasiya and highlight that it could well develop into one of the largest rutile deposits in the world. In conjunction with the recent exceptional metallurgical outcomes, these results confirm our view that Kasiya is quickly becoming a globally significant rutile deposit.”
ENQUIRIES
Dr Julian Stephens (Perth)
Managing Director
+61(8) 9322 6322
Sam Cordin (Perth)
+61(8) 9322 6322
Sapan Ghai (London)
+44 207 478 3900
KASIYA DRILLING – PHASE 7
The Phase 7 results include extensional and infill drilling comprising a further 82 hand-auger holes (50 extensional and 32 infill) for a total of 819m. With the inclusion of Phase 7 the total number of holes reported from Kasiya to date is now 233 with 2,298m drilled.
This drilling has substantially extended the strike length of the rutile-mineralised envelope to over 16km and expanded the width to up to 6km (Figures 1, 2 and 3) from the previous 7.5km by up to 3km.
In terms of area, the mineralised envelope has approximately tripled in footprint size to ~66km2 from the previous ~22km2. The mineralised envelope continues to remain open along strike to the north and south, and laterally at its widest zone to the east.
A number of the extensional holes were drilled to the east, north and south-east of the core mineralised zone at a nominal 400m x 400m drill spacing and fall within the targeted area for the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) (Figure 2). These extensional holes have provided a significant expansion to the widest, central core zone of high-grade rutile mineralisation. A significant number of high-grade rutile drill intercepts from surface were encountered in these holes.
Figure 2. Close-up of the central zone of Kasiya showing the area designated for consideration in the maiden MRE.
The infill drilling results continue to show high rutile grades from surface, as expected, with the infill drill holes limited to the central portion of the main resource target area.
The Phase 7 drill results continue to show high-grade rutile from surface to as deep as 16m. Significant rutile enrichment is generally present in the 0-8m from surface range. In most cases, drill depth was restricted by the hand-auger drilling equipment capacity and it is assumed that free-dig rutile mineralisation should continue vertically to the base of saprolite estimated at approximately 25m depth from surface.
These results continue to validate the Company’s geological exploration model and provide a step-change in the potential size of Kasiya. It is now clear that Sovereign’s geological team has the ability to predict, with some accuracy, new areas of rutile mineralisation prior to any on-ground soil sampling or drilling. If the Company’s geological exploration model continues to hold true regionally, the rutile potential across Sovereign’s exploration licences in Malawi is immense.
Figure 3. Kasiya map outlining the extensional mineralisation outside of the area under consideration for the MRE and showing the considerable expansion of the mineralised footprint.
CONCLUSIONS & FORWARD PLAN
In a step-change for Kasiya, this substantial batch of the Phase 7 drill results has increased the mineralised footprint area three-fold. The results continue to build on the previous phases of drilling with high-grade rutile consistently intercepted from surface across the now 66km2 mineralisation footprint.
The central zone of ~30km2, where the nominal drill spacing is 400m x 400m or closer, will be under consideration for the maiden MRE. The Company’s objective is to delineate a large rutile resource that could support a long-life, large-scale rutile operation.
Additionally, Sovereign has recently achieved exceptional outcomes from its bulk scale metallurgy program. Premium chemical and sizing parameters were produced with over 98% recovery, via simple, conventional “off the shelf” processing methods. This continues to consolidate our view that we have discovered a potentially globally significant rutile deposit at Kasiya in Malawi that forms part of a new rutile province.
The ongoing work programs for Kasiya and the other prospects within the Company’s large ground package include;
- Reporting of one further batch of mainly infill drill holes over the coming weeks ahead of the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Kasiya targeted for Q4 2020;
- Step-out and extensional drilling at Kasiya and the broader surrounding area to identify extensions and discover new regional mineralised zones;
- Push-tube drilling at Kasiya to twin hand-auger holes and to obtain cored samples for specific gravity (SG) determination and initial geotechnical and mining studies;
- Mining and tailings studies continue and will feed into a future Scoping Study targeted for H1 2021;
- Feedback from rutile product sample assessment by major industry end-users to be incorporated into marketing studies in support of the upcoming Scoping Study; and
- Investigation of the potential for a coarse-flake graphite by-product from Kasiya.
Figure 4. Sovereign’s field team hand-auger drilling for rutile.
A NEW RUTILE PROVINCE
The Central Malawi Rutile Project (Project) features two confirmed, discrete rutile mineralisation styles hosted saprolite (soft, friable weathered material) and sand. Both styles are amenable to conventional processing.
In addition to the flagship Kasiya, the Company has identified numerous other saprolite-hosted rutile prospects and targets. The Bua Channel is the Company’s high-grade, rutile dominant, sand-hosted placer prospect along a 50km length of a fluvial channel system. Drilling in the southern part of the Bua Channel over ~8km confirmed excellent rutile grades with accessory ilmenite.
Figure 5. Map of the broader Kasiya and Bua Channel area showing the multiple rutile prospects and targets and their proximity to the Nacala Rail Corridor.
This potentially globally significant rutile province is located in Malawi, a stable, transparent jurisdiction. Malawi is increasingly attracting international investment with substantial potential for mining to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. Central Malawi boasts excellent existing infrastructure including grid power and an excellent sealed road network. The Project is strategically located in close-proximity to the capital city of Lilongwe, providing access to a skilled workforce and mining and industrial services. The location provides access to the operating Nacala Rail Corridor linking to the Indian Ocean port of Nacala in Mozambique, providing a low-cost transport solution and access to major international markets.
DRILL RESULTS
Drilling results from Phase 7 at Kasiya are shown below in Table 1.
Hole ID
Interval Thickness
Rutile %
From (m) Downhole
Comments
Purpose
KYHA0142
7
0.81
3m
open at depth
Infill
incl
3
1.11
3m
KYHA0143
9
1.27
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
6
1.35
surface
incl
2
2.00
surface
KYHA0144
7
1.27
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
5
1.40
surface
incl
2
1.92
surface
KYHA0145
11
0.76
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
5
1.03
surface
KYHA0146
6
1.10
2m
open at depth
Infill
KYHA0147
2
0.64
surface
Infill
KYHA0148
No significant results
Extensional
KYHA0149
9
1.02
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
4
1.30
surface
KYHA0150
2
1.18
1m
Extensional
KYHA0151
5
0.52
surface
Extensional
KYHA0152
10
0.84
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
6
1.04
surface
incl
2
1.72
surface
KYHA0153
6
0.99
surface
Extensional
incl
2
1.43
surface
KYHA0154
13
1.01
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
3
1.32
surface
KYHA0155
13
0.76
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
3
1.29
surface
KYHA0156
8
1.43
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
5
1.60
surface
KYHA0157
10
1.41
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
4
1.88
surface
KYHA0158
7
0.66
surface
Extensional
KYHA0159
7
0.99
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
3
1.24
surface
KYHA0160
8
1.15
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
4
1.73
surface
KYHA0161
4
1.48
surface
Hole failed at 4m
Extensional
KYHA0162
10
0.92
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
3
1.10
surface
KYHA0163
2
1.45
surface
Extensional
KYHA0164
9
1.00
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
4
1.25
surface
KYHA0165
14
0.96
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
4
1.66
surface
KYHA0166
5
1.25
surface
Extensional
KYHA0167
7
0.69
surface
Extensional
KYHA0168
No significant results
Extensional
KYHA0169
10
1.19
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
2
1.31
surface
KYHA0170
13
1.02
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
8
1.20
surface
incl
5
1.30
surface
KYHA0171
8
1.47
1m
open at depth
infill
incl
2
1.60
1m
KYHA0172
5
0.91
surface
Extensional
KYHA0173
12
1.47
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
7
1.72
surface
incl
4
2.00
surface
KYHA0174
3
0.69
surface
Extensional
KYHA0175
6
0.94
surface
Extensional
incl
2
1.28
surface
KYHA0176
10
0.97
1m
open at depth
Extensional
incl
5
1.07
1m
incl
2
1.24
1m
KYHA0177
11
1.05
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
7
1.20
surface
incl
5
1.36
surface
KYHA0178
6
0.83
1m
open at depth
Extensional
incl
2
1.13
1m
KYHA0211
9
0.74
surface
open at depth
Extensional
KYHA0212
4
0.70
surface
Extensional
KYHA0213
8
0.81
surface
Extensional
incl
4
1.08
surface
KYHA0214
No significant results
Extensional
KYHA0215
8
0.70
surface
Extensional
KYHA0216
5
0.56
surface
open at depth
Extensional
KYHA0217
2
0.70
surface
Extensional
KYHA0218
12
0.79
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
8
0.94
from 4m
incl
4
1.15
from 8m
KYHA0219
14
0.86
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
8
0.96
surface
incl
4
1.24
surface
KYHA0220
11
0.96
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
8
1.02
surface
incl
4
1.18
surface
KYHA0221
5
0.65
surface
Extensional
KYHA0222
9
0.77
surface
Extensional
incl
5
0.96
surface
KYHA0223
No significant results
Extensional
KYHA0224
3
0.53
surface
Extensional
KYHA0225
12
1.07
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
8
1.23
surface
incl
4
1.63
surface
KYHA0226
3
0.74
surface
open at depth
Extensional
KYHA0227
5
0.82
surface
Extensional
incl
2
1.18
surface
KYHA0228
12
0.99
surface
open at depth
Extensional
incl
2
1.30
surface
KYHA0229
8
0.95
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
5
1.19
surface
incl
2
1.76
surface
KYHA0230
12
1.01
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
4
1.24
surface
KYHA0231
16
1.16
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
8
1.35
surface
incl
4
1.60
surface
KYHA0232
14
0.91
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
8
1.08
surface
incl
4
1.23
surface
KYHA0233
6
0.70
surface
open at depth
Infill
KYHA0234
11
0.92
surface
open at depth
extensional
incl
3
1.24
surface
KYHA0235
10
0.84
surface
extensional
incl
5
1.11
surface
KYHA0236
12
1.07
surface
open at depth
extensional
incl
8
1.18
surface
KYHA0237
6
0.81
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.18
surface
KYHA0238
No significant results
Infill
KYHA0239
4
0.56
surface
Infill
KYHA0240
3
1.57
surface
Hole failed at 3m
Infill
KYHA0241
4
1.39
surface
Infill
KYHA0242
2
0.71
surface
Infill
KYHA0243
7
0.65
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
0.85
surface
KYHA0244
6
0.87
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.20
surface
KYHA0245
4
1.29
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.83
surface
KYHA0246
9
0.91
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
5
1.00
surface
incl
2
1.27
surface
KYHA0247
6
1.17
surface
Infill
incl
2
2.18
surface
KYHA0248
5
0.88
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.15
surface
KYHA0249
6
1.10
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.70
surface
KYHA0250
2
1.15
surface
Infill
KYHA0251
13
0.94
surface
Infill
incl
7
1.13
surface
incl
3
1.76
surface
KYHA0252
5
1.38
surface
Infill
KYHA0253
4
0.77
surface
Infill
KYHA0254
10
0.74
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
4
1.16
surface
KYHA0255
7
0.76
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
3
0.97
surface
KYHA0240
3
1.57
surface
Hole failed at 3m
Infill
KYHA0241
4
1.39
surface
Infill
KYHA0242
2
0.71
surface
Infill
KYHA0243
7
0.65
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
0.85
surface
KYHA0244
6
0.87
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.20
surface
KYHA0245
4
1.29
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
2
1.83
surface
KYHA0246
9
0.91
surface
open at depth
Infill
incl
5
1.00
surface
incl
2
1.27
surface
KYHA0247
6
1.17
surface
Infill
incl
2
2.18
surface
KYHA0248
5
0.88
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
2
1.15
surface
KYHA0249
6
1.10
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
2
1.70
surface
KYHA0250
2
1.15
surface
infill
KYHA0251
13
0.94
surface
infill
incl
7
1.13
surface
incl
3
1.76
surface
KYHA0252
5
1.38
surface
infill
KYHA0253
4
0.77
surface
infill
KYHA0254
10
0.74
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
4
1.16
surface
KYHA0255
7
0.76
surface
open at depth
infill
incl
3
0.97
surface
Competent Person’s Statement
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Dr Julian Stephens, a Competent Person who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Dr Stephens is the Managing Director of Sovereign Metals Limited and a holder of ordinary shares and unlisted options in Sovereign Metals Limited. Dr Stephens has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Dr Stephens consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
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.
This ASX Announcement has been approved and authorised for release by the Company’s Managing Director, Julian Stephens.
APPENDIX 1: DRILL HOLE DATA
Hole ID
East
North
RL
Depth
(m)
KYHA0142
540800
8478800
1108
16
KYHA0143
542000
8479600
1119
11
KYHA0144
542400
8479600
1122
8
KYHA0145
541200
8478800
1115
11
KYHA0146
541600
8478800
1116
8
KYHA0147
542000
8478800
1112
7
KYHA0148
539600
8476800
1094
12
KYHA0149
541200
8477600
1100
11
KYHA0150
542400
8476800
1106
11
KYHA0151
543200
8476800
1117
11
KYHA0152
544000
8476800
1124
10
KYHA0153
543200
8479600
1129
10
KYHA0154
544000
8481600
1143
14
KYHA0155
544000
8481200
1144
13
KYHA0156
544000
8480800
1145
8
KYHA0157
544000
8480400
1146
10
KYHA0158
544000
8480000
1144
12
KYHA0159
544000
8479600
1145
9
KYHA0160
543200
8480000
1132
8
KYHA0161
543200
8482400
1123
7
KYHA0162
544000
8482400
1135
11
KYHA0163
542400
8481600
1115
4
KYHA0164
543200
8481600
1129
11
KYHA0165
541600
8482400
1113
15
KYHA0166
542400
8482400
1117
11
KYHA0167
540000
8482400
1109
11
KYHA0168
540800
8482400
1104
10
KYHA0169
542400
8480400
1122
10
KYHA0170
543200
8480400
1135
13
KYHA0171
542400
8480000
1125
10
KYHA0172
544800
8478800
1142
12
KYHA0173
543200
8478000
1127
12
KYHA0174
544000
8478000
1129
8
KYHA0175
544800
8478000
1136
13
KYHA0176
544000
8478800
1145
11
KYHA0177
543200
8478800
1134
11
KYHA0178
542400
8478000
1108
8
KYHA0211
546400
8487200
1113
9
KYHA0212
546400
8486800
1113
11
KYHA0213
546400
8486400
1115
12
KYHA0214
546400
8486000
1117
12
KYHA0215
546400
8485600
1116
12
KYHA0216
546400
8484800
1108
5
KYHA0217
544000
8485600
1103
6
KYHA0218
544000
8484800
1116
12
KYHA0219
544000
8484000
1124
14
KYHA0220
544000
8483200
1118
11
KYHA0221
536400
8473600
1112
7
KYHA0222
537200
8473600
1119
12
KYHA0223
537999
8473602
1104
6
KYHA0224
538800
8473600
1108
6
KYHA0225
539600
8473600
1125
12
KYHA0226
540400
8473600
1123
13
KYHA0227
541200
8473600
1114
8
KYHA0228
542000
8473600
1115
12
KYHA0229
540400
8478400
1095
8
KYHA0230
540800
8478400
1103
12
KYHA0231
541200
8478400
1110
16
KYHA0232
541600
8478400
1110
14
KYHA0233
542000
8478400
1103
6
KYHA0234
540800
8478000
1099
11
KYHA0235
541200
8478000
1106
15
KYHA0236
541600
8478000
1103
11
KYHA0237
540400
8480400
1090
6
KYHA0238
540800
8480400
1091
11
KYHA0239
541200
8480400
1095
10
KYHA0240
541600
8480400
1102
3
KYHA0241
542000
8480400
1112
8
KYHA0242
539200
8480800
1083
6
KYHA0243
539600
8480800
1084
7
KYHA0244
540000
8480800
1086
6
KYHA0245
540400
8480800
1090
4
KYHA0246
540800
8480800
1095
9
KYHA0247
541200
8480000
1103
11
KYHA0248
541600
8480000
1105
5
KYHA0249
542000
8480000
1116
6
KYHA0250
540400
8481200
1101
10
KYHA0251
540800
8481200
1104
15
KYHA0252
541200
8481200
1103
14
KYHA0253
541600
8481200
1103
10
KYHA0254
542000
8481200
1106
10
KYHA0255
542400
8481200
1110
7
* All holes were vertical.