FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
FEBRUARY 18, 2026
KASIYA POSITIONED TO SUPPORT US STRATEGIC MINERALS RESERVE AS MALAWI–US PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS
LILONGWE, MALAWI – Malawi’s Kasiya rutile-graphite project has moved further onto the global strategic stage following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Sovereign Metals and Traxys North America – one of only three trading houses appointed to procure critical minerals for the US Government’s newly launched US$12 billion Project Vault.
Sovereign Metals, through its Malawi subsidiary Sovereign Services, is developing Kasiya near Lilongwe as a future leading supplier to the global titanium and graphite industries.
Project Vault is a landmark US public-private initiative to establish a US Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, aimed at securing supply chains for American manufacturers and reducing reliance on Chinese-controlled mineral supply. The programme is backed by US$10 billion from the US Export-Import Bank and approximately US$2 billion in private capital.
Under the MOU, Traxys will work towards marketing graphite from Kasiya, targeting initial volumes of about 40,000 tonnes per year, increasing to up to 80,000 tonnes annually as the project expands.
Graphite is designated a US critical mineral and is considered essential for national security and supply chain resilience. With global supply dominated by China, alternative sources are strategically vital. Kasiya’s natural flake graphite, together with its globally significant rutile resource – a key source of titanium – positions Malawi as a potential long-term supplier to aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing and battery supply chains.
Traxys’ role in Project Vault creates a direct commercial link between Malawi’s Kasiya Project and the US strategic minerals reserve. The initiative has attracted participation from major US manufacturers including General Motors, Boeing and Google.
The announcement comes amid strengthening engagement between Malawi and the United States. At the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, representatives of Sovereign and Traxys met with a senior US Department of State advisor, while Malawi’s Minister of Mining participated in US State Department discussions, highlighting the growing Malawi–US partnership in critical minerals.
Sovereign Metals Managing Director and CEO Frank Eagar said the agreement reflects growing international confidence in Malawi’s strategic role.
“Through Kasiya, Malawi has the opportunity to become a key contributor to secure and diversified supply chains for the United States and its allies,” he said.
The MOU, which contemplates a potential 5–10-year marketing arrangement, marks an important step in positioning Malawi as a trusted long-term partner in Western critical minerals security.
-Ends-
About Sovereign Services
Sovereign Services is the Malawi operation of Sovereign Metals Limited, which is focused on developing its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi to become a leading global supplier to the titanium and graphite industries.
Kasiya is the world’s largest natural rutile deposit – the purest, highest-grade naturally occurring titanium feedstock – and the world’s second-largest flake graphite deposit – a battery mineral essential for the energy transition.
www.sovereignmetals.com.au
For media inquiries please contact:
Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd;
+260 979 060705;
info@langmead.com