Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, to support the sustainable development of its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi.
The agreement leverages IFC's extensive global experience in environmental, social, and governance standards to complement Rio Tinto's significant input, with a focus on aligning the Kasiya definitive feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment with international best practices.
Under the agreement, IFC gains rights to act as lender, mandated co-lead arranger, or investor in project financing, subject to Rio Tinto’s existing investment rights.
Sovereign’s leadership emphasised the strategic advantages of IFC’s involvement, noting its decades of experience in Malawi, established government partnerships, and credibility in international capital markets.