Sovereign Metals Ltd (LON:SVML) (ASX:SVM, OTC:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) has wrapped up a backfill program of the test pit at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi as part of its broader, sustainability-focused Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program.
Sustainable land rehabilitation
The program is a key plank of the company’s commitment to progressive mining and sustainable land rehabilitation, which ensures the land can be returned to productive use shortly after mining operations.
During mining trials, 170,000 cubic metres of material were mined and returned to the test pit, restoring it to original ground level in under two months – well ahead of schedule.
With the backfill phase complete, the company has started land rehabilitation activities, employing a five-step process designed to support sustainable farming and conservation efforts.
“These farmers will be direct beneficiaries of our ongoing conservation farming initiatives to develop successful smallholder farmers,” said managing director and CEO Frank Eagar.
Soil health for post-mining farming
The rehabilitation begins with the application of dolomitic lime to improve naturally low soil pH levels, followed by the addition of biochar and fertilisers to augment soil health and support post-mining farming practices.
Grading, ripping and discing processes incorporate these inputs, creating a safe and level surface for planting rehabilitation crops.
Giant bamboo is being introduced to improve carbon and bioactivity in the soil, with maize and cover crops intercropped to return the land to farmers.
Sovereign is also monitoring soil health, plant growth and crop yields while engaging with local farmers to enhance results through conservation farming and the establishment of an indigenous fruit and farming nursery.
The backfill program is an example of how Sovereign, via the Kasiya project, is balancing resource extraction with environmental and community priorities.
Backfill provides valuable data
“The successful backfilling of the test pit has confirmed our understanding of the Kasiya orebody and provides valuable data for our optimisation study,” Eagar said.
“Now we have moved on to rehabilitation, demonstrating to local communities how we will progressively mine, backfill and rehabilitate land during operations. This was an important objective of the Pilot Phase.
“The successful return of farmers to their land within such a short space of time and without missing a single planting season after mining and backfilling 170,000 square metres will build on our positive community relationships.”