Aim- and ASX-listed Sovereign Metals has completed an infill drilling programme at its Kasiya rutile/graphite project, in Malawi, to support ongoing technical studies.

The programme included the drilling of 281 holes for 5 607 m. Aircore drilling, supported by hand auger, push tube and diamond core drilling, has now been completed in the southern part of Kasiya.

The drilling was focused on the designated pits proposed to provide ore feed in the first eight years of the project’s production schedule.

Ore reserves in these areas are expected to convert from the probable to proven category with an upgrade of the current mineral resource estimate (MRE) from indicated to the measured category under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code (2012).

Offsite laboratories in South Africa and Australia will assay all samples for rutile and graphite.

The drilling programme’s results and subsequent resource upgrade are expected early next year.

“Completing the infill drilling programme on schedule will assist us in upgrading our MRE and will feed into our future technical studies as part of ongoing pre-development activities at the Kasiya project being overseen by the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee,” says Sovereign CEO and MD Frank Eagar.

Kasiya is among the world's largest rutile deposits.

Diversified miner Rio Tinto holds a 19.7% stake in Sovereign.