Results for Use of Kasiya Graphite in Refractories

·

Testwork to confirm the suitability of Kasiya graphite for traditional applications is underway with an initial focus on the refractory materials sector

·

Refractory materials production accounts for 24% of global graphite demand and requires large flake graphite with high oxidation resistance

·

Initial independent tests confirm that Kasiya's course flake (>180-micron) graphite concentrate exhibits high oxidation resistance

o

No oxidation below 400°C

o

Only 6.4% mass loss after 4 hours at 650°C

o

Very low oxidation rate of 1.6% per hour at 650°C

·

These initial results coincide with news that China plans further export restrictions of items used in civilian and military applications, including graphite and titanium alloys

·

Results will form the basis for ongoing and future discussions with potential traditional graphite off-takers; previous testwork has confirmed that Kasiya graphite can produce outstanding anode materials suitable for battery production

Table 1: Coarse (>180-micron) Flake Characterisation

Loss on Ignition (LOI %)

Moisture (%)

Volatiles (%)

Fixed Carbon (%)

97.5

0.11

0.29

97.1

Table 2: Flake Size Distribution

Flake Graphite Type

Typical Use / Target Industry

Flake Size(µm)

2024 Price(US$/t)

Sovereign Metals

Syrah Resources*

Kasiya

(PFS Stage)

Balama*

(In Production)

Super-Jumbo

Aerospace, nuclear and other

>500

1,841

29.8%

8.5%

Jumbo

Crucibles and foundry

300-500

1,491

Large

Refractories and foundries

180-300

1,191

27.1%

12.0%

Medium

Batteries and refractories

105-180

1,115

23.9%

34.0%

Small

Batteries and niche products

75-105

659

19.4%

45.5%

Very Small

Lubricants

609

•

increasing thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer,

•

decreasing thermal gradient between the hot and cold faces of the product, thereby reducing expansion,

•

increasing the resistance to thermal shock which would otherwise lead to cracking or breakage of the refractory,

•

low thermal expansion, reducing the ricks of structural damage,

•

repelling molten slag,

•

reducing wettability to molten metals so they do not affect the end product, and

•

increasing the working life of the product.

Enquires

Frank Eagar, Managing Director & CEO

South Africa / Malawi

+27 21 065 1890

Sapan Ghai, CCO

London

+44 207 478 3900

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 20 3470 0470

Ewan Leggat

Charlie Bouverat

Joint Brokers

Stifel

+44 20 7710 7600

Varun Talwar

Ashton Clanfield

Berenberg

+44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

Jennifer Lee

Buchanan

+ 44 20 7466 5000

Criteria

 JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Sampling Techniques

Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Metallurgical Composite Sample:

The sample was a composite of 24 Hand Auger (HA) and Push Tube (PT) holes drilled in 2022 in the Kingfisher pit.

All drilling samples within the pit shell were added to the composite resulting in a sample of 2,498kg.

Specifically, the composite sample consisted of selected rutile mineralised zones from holes, NSHA0009, 0010, 0056, 0060, 0061, 0074, 0119, 0311, 0343, 0344, 0345, 0350 and NSPT 0011, 0013, 0014, 0015, 0017, 0020, 0021, 0023, 0024, 0025, 0026, 0027.

The following workflow was used to generate a pre-concentrate graphite feed at AML:

· Wet screen at 2mm to remove oversize

· Two stage cyclone separation at a cut size of 45µm to remove -45µm material

· Pass +45µm -2mm (sand) fraction through Up Current Classifier (UCC)

· Pass UCC O/F through cyclone at cut point of 45µm

· Pass UCC O/F cyclone U/F (fine) over MG12 Mineral Technologies Spiral

· Pass UCC U/F (coarse) over MG12 Mineral Technologies Spiral

· Spiral cons are combined for further processing.

Fine and coarse gravity tailing samples contain approximately 75%-80% of the graphite present in the feed sample. The majority of the graphite lost is contained in the -45µm fines.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Placer Consulting (Placer) Resource Geologists have reviewed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the collection of HA and PT drill samples and found them to be fit for purpose.

Drilling and sampling activities are supervised by a suitably qualified Company geologist who is present at all times. All bulk 1-metre drill samples are geologically logged by the geologist at the drill site.

The primary metallurgical composite sample is considered representative for this style of mineralisation.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.

HA drilling was used to obtain 1-metre samples. The bulk metallurgical sample was a composite of selected samples from routine resource drilling.

Existing rutile and graphite exploration results were used to determine the 1-metre intervals suitable to contribute to the two bulk sample composites.

Drilling Techniques

Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open‐hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face‐sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).

Hand-auger drilling is completed with 75mm diameter enclosed spiral bits with 1-metrelong steel rods. Each 1m of drill sample is collected into separate sample bags and set aside. The auger bits and flights are cleaned between each metre of sampling to avoid contamination.

Placer has reviewed SOPs for hand-auger drilling and found them to be fit for purpose and support the resource classifications as applied to the MRE.

Drill Sample Recovery

Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

The configuration of drilling and nature of materials encountered results in negligible sample loss or contamination. 

Samples are assessed visually for recoveries. Overall, recovery is good. Drilling is ceased when recoveries become poor generally once the water table has been encountered.

Auger drilling samples are actively assessed by the geologist onsite for recoveries and contamination.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

The Company's trained geologists supervise auger drilling on a 1 team 1 geologist basis and are responsible for monitoring all aspects of the drilling and sampling process.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.

No bias related to preferential loss or gain of different materials has occurred.

Logging

Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation mining studies and metallurgical studies.

All individual 1-metre auger intervals are geologically logged, recording relevant

data to a set template using company codes.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

All logging includes lithological features and estimates of basic mineralogy. Logging is generally qualitative.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersection logged

100% of samples are geologically logged.

Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation

If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

Not applicable - no core drilling conducted.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

Primary individual 1-metre samples from all HA and PT holes drilled are sun dried, homogenised and riffle split.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Metallurgical Composite Sample:

1-metre intervals selected for the 2,498kg metallurgical sample were divided into weathering units.

MOTT and PSAP material were combined and homogenised in preparation for dispatch to Australian laboratory Intertek for TGC assay.

Per Australian import quarantine requirements the contributing SOIL/FERP material from within 2m of surface was kept separate to undergo quarantine heat treatment at Intertek Laboratory on arrival into Australia.

The two sub samples (SOIL/FERP and MOTT/PSAP) were then dispatched from Intertek to AML Laboratory (AML). AML sub-sampled and assayed the individual lithologies prior to combining and homogenising the sample in preparation for test-work.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

The sample preparation techniques and QA/QC protocols are considered appropriate for the nature of this test-work.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

The sampling best represents the material in situ.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.

The sample size is considered appropriate for the nature of the test-work.

Quality of assay data and laboratory tests

The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

Metallurgical Composite Sample:

The following workflow was used to generate a graphite product;

o Coarse and fine rougher graphite flotation

o Polishing grind of coarse and fine rougher graphite concentrate

o Cleaner flotation of coarse and fine graphite

o Cleaner concentrate sizing at 180µm

o Regrind of separate +180µm/-180µm fractions

o Three stage recleaner flotation of +180µm/-180µm fractions

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established. No handheld methods are used for quantitative determination.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicate, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.

Acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established in the preparation of the bulk sample composites.

Verification of sampling & assaying

The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

No drilling intersections are being reported.

The use of twinned holes.

No twin holes completed in this program.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

All data was collected initially on paper logging sheets and codified to the Company's templates. This data was hand entered to spreadsheets and validated by Company geologists.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data.

No adjustment to assay data has been made.

Location of data points

Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

A Trimble R2 Differential GPS is used to pick up the collars. Daily capture at a registered reference marker ensures equipment remains in calibration.

No downhole surveying is completed. Given the vertical nature and shallow depths of the holes, drill hole deviation is not considered to significantly affect the downhole location of samples.

Specification of the grid system used.

WGS84 UTM Zone 36 South.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control.

DGPS pickups are considered to be high quality topographic control measures.

Data spacing & distribution

Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Metallurgical Composite Sample: The hand-auger holes contributing to this metallurgical were selected from pit area Kingfisher and broadly represent early years of mining as contemplated in the PFS (Approximately the first three years).

It is deemed that these holes should be broadly representative of the

mineralisation style in the general area.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Not applicable, no Mineral Resource or Ore Reserve estimations are covered by new data in this report. 

Whether sample compositing has been applied.

Metallurgical Composite Sample:

The sample was composited as described under Sampling Techniques in this Table.

Orientation of data in relation to geological structure

Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known considering the deposit type

No bias attributable to orientation of sampling has been identified.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.

All holes were drilled vertically as the nature of the mineralisation is horizontal. No bias attributable to orientation of drilling has been identified.

Sample security

The measures taken to ensure sample security

Samples are stored in secure storage from the time of drilling, through gathering, compositing and analysis. The samples are sealed as soon as site preparation is complete.

A reputable international transport company with shipment tracking enables a chain of custody to be maintained while the samples move from Malawi to Australia or Malawi to Johannesburg. Samples are again securely stored once they arrive and are processed at Australian laboratories. A reputable domestic courier company manages the movement of samples within Perth, Australia.

At each point of the sample workflow the samples are inspected by a company representative to monitor sample condition. Each laboratory confirms the integrity of the samples upon receipt.

Audits or reviews

The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data

It is considered by the Company that industry best practice methods have been employed at all stages of the exploration.

Malawi Field and Laboratory visits have been completed by Richard Stockwell in May 2022. A high standard of operation, procedure and personnel was observed and reported.

Criteria

Explanation

Commentary

Mineral tenement & land tenure status

Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environment settings.

The Company owns 100% of the following Exploration Licences (ELs) under the Mines and Minerals Act 2019 (Malawi), held in the Company's wholly-owned, Malawi-registered subsidiaries: EL0609, EL0582, EL0492, EL0528, EL0545, EL0561, EL0657 and EL0710.

A 5% royalty is payable to the government upon mining and a 2% of net profit royalty is payable to the original project vendor.

No significant native vegetation or reserves exist in the area. The region is intensively cultivated for agricultural crops.

The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.

The tenements are in good standing and no known impediments to exploration or mining exist.

Exploration done by other parties

Acknowledgement and appraisal of exploration by other parties.

Sovereign Metals Ltd is a first-mover in the discovery and definition of residual rutile and graphite deposits in Malawi.

Geology

Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation

The rutile deposit type is considered a residual placer formed by the intense weathering of rutile-rich basement paragneisses and variable enrichment by eluvial processes.

Rutile occurs in a mostly topographically flat area west of Malawi's capital, known as the Lilongwe Plain, where a deep tropical weathering profile is preserved. A typical profile from top to base is generally soil ("SOIL" 0-1m) ferruginous pedolith ("FERP", 1-4m), mottled zone ("MOTT", 4-7m), pallid saprolite ("PSAP", 7-9m), saprolite ("SAPL", 9-25m), saprock ("SAPR", 25-35m) and fresh rock ("FRESH" >35m).

The low-grade graphite mineralisation occurs as multiple bands of graphite gneisses, hosted within a broader Proterozoic paragneiss package. In the Kasiya areas specifically, the preserved weathering profile hosts significant vertical thicknesses from near surface of graphite mineralisation.

Drill hole information

A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northings of the drill hole collar; elevation or RL (Reduced Level-elevation above sea level in metres of the drill hole collar); dip and azimuth of the hole; down hole length and interception depth; and hole length

All intercepts relating to the Kasiya Deposit have been included in public releases during each phase of exploration and in this report. Releases included all collar and composite data and these can be viewed on the Company website.

There are no further drill hole results that are considered material to the understanding of the exploration results. Identification of the broad zone of mineralisation is made via multiple intersections of drill holes and to list them all would not give the reader any further clarification of the distribution of mineralisation throughout the deposit.

If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case

No information has been excluded.

Data aggregation methods

In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high-grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

No data aggregation was required.

Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

No data aggregation was required.

The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.

Not applicable

Relationship between mineralisation widths & intercept lengths

These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

The mineralisation has been released by weathering of the underlying, layered gneissic bedrock that broadly trends NE-SW at Kasiya North and N-S at Kasiya South. It lies in a laterally extensive superficial blanket with high-grade zones reflecting the broad bedrock strike orientation of ~045° in the North of Kasiya and 360° in the South of Kasiya.

No drilling intercepts are being reported.

If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

The mineralisation is laterally extensive where the entire weathering profile is preserved and not significantly eroded. Minor removal of the mineralised profile has occurred where alluvial channels cut the surface of the deposit. These areas are adequately defined by the drilling pattern and topographical control for the resource estimate.

If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known'.

No drilling intercepts are being reported.

Diagrams

Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of the drill collar locations and appropriate sectional views.

Refer to figures in previous releases. These are accessible on the Company's webpage.

Balanced reporting

Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high-grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of exploration results.

All results are included in this report and in previous releases. These are accessible on the Company's webpage.

Other substantive exploration data

Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to: geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.

Limited lateritic duricrust has been variably developed at Kasiya, as is customary in tropical highland areas subjected to seasonal wet/dry cycles. Lithological logs record drilling refusal in just under 2% of the HA/PT drill database. No drilling refusal was recorded above the saprock interface by AC drilling.

Sample quality (representivity) is established by geostatistical analysis of comparable sample intervals.

Further work

The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. test for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

The Company is currently in a project optimisation phase with various work programs underway.

Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.

Refer to diagrams in previous releases. These are accessible on the Company's webpage.