Sovereign Services Limited explores Rutile in Kasiya

Sovereign Services Limited, a company that is exploring a precious mineral known as Rutile in Kasiya, Lilongwe has reported significant progress in its efforts

Rutile is a key mineral with a variety of industrial applications as it is primarily used as a source of titanium dioxide, a crucial ingredient in the production of pigments for paints, plastics and paper among others

Geologist of Sovereign Services Limited Reidwel Nyirenda told officials from ministry of mining who visited the site that the company has excavated to a depth of 20 meters to determine the quantity of rutile and graphite present in the soil.

Sovereign Services Limited is expected to commence mining activities in Kasiya within the next two to five years, once exploration works are completed.

Nyirenda said both excavation and hydro-mining proved to be effective for them adding the company tested its land rehabilitation methods to ensure the land can be restored for farming after mining activities.

He was pleased to report that the rehabilitation was successful and crops are already growing on the restored land.

Sovereign Services Limited also has a laboratory in Malawi where soil samples are analysed to determine the quantity and quality of rutile.

Laboratory Manager at Sovereign Services Limited Tupoche Makileni Kayange said laboratory is the only way they can obtain timely results, as sending samples outside the country takes time and involves tedious logistics.

She further said the laboratory is also helping young Malawian students from higher education institutions, such as Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), gain hands-on experience by using sophisticated mineral processing machines.

Principal Mining Engineer in Ministry of Mining Regina Mayeso kakwera stated that exploration activities demonstrate how mining can transform the country if proper investments are made.

Kakwera said they are bringing in exploration companies to identify minerals that can be extracted well so that the country make profits as outlined in government’s Agriculture Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.

A local resident and beneficiary of the project Mtendere Mchimkoko said a lot of people from the area are working at the site, which has greatly improved their livelihoods, received training in conservation farming and providing school fees bursaries for students