$SVM

Sovereign Metals said its Kasiya Rutile Graphite Project DFS (Malawi) showed NPV8% of US$2.2 billion, 23% IRR and US$727 million capex to first production. The IFC has a Collaboration Agreement and may co-lead project financing, with the DFS aligned to IFC Performance Standards. Financing still depends on non-binding offtakes, pending mining licence and a separate study for heavy rare earth by-products.

Silvercorp Metals Inc shares rose 2.36% to CA$13.87, according to the article. It attributes the move to positive sentiment in copper and gold markets and to an updated technical report for Silvercorp’s Ecuador flagship project, which increased projected value and mineral resources.

Altius Minerals (TSX:ALS, OTCQX:ATUSF) reported June 30, 2026 junior equities portfolio market value of about $80.4M, up from $70M at March 31, 2026, and $12.5M net investments during the quarter. It invested about $4.2M in TNR Gold and smaller amounts in other investees, and discussed royalty updates tied to Zijin, Atlas Lithium, and Silvercorp.

Spot silver fell 1.7% to $56.82/oz as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions raised inflation fears and rate-hike expectations. Silver miners Hecla (HL), Coeur (CDE), Endeavour Silver (EXK) and Silvercorp Metals (SVM) declined. Scotiabank cut Hecla’s price target to $21 from $25, citing ongoing silver pressure; Hecla gets about 73% of Q1 2026 revenue from silver.

The article argues that Asian demand is increasingly important for silver and that China’s role as a stabilizer may be weakening, citing import data and export licensing changes. It says Silvercorp Metals’ proposed Hong Kong listing could broaden its investor base and potentially affect valuation. Silvercorp is a primary silver producer with assets including the Ying Mining District.

Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM, OTCQX:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) said it will retain control of its Kasiya rutile-graphite project in Malawi and refocus its US critical minerals strategy after Rio Tinto declined to take an option to be project operator. Rio cited a strategy review of iron and titanium. Rio invested $60 million; its marketing and rights are set to lapse, while Sovereign seeks binding offtake talks with Mitsui and Traxys and may use IFC financing support.

Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM, AIM:SVML, OTCQX:SVMLF) said Rio Tinto will not exercise its option to become operator of the Kasiya rutile-graphite project in Malawi. Rio cited a titanium business strategy change, so its marketing and pre-emption rights lapsed. Sovereign will keep operating and pursue U.S.-focused offtake and financing.

Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM/OTCQX:SVMLF) says it is shifting to a US-focused critical-minerals strategy for its Kasiya rutile-graphite project in Malawi. It plans to move rutile/graphite offtake MOUs (including Mitsui and Traxys) toward binding deals and advance financing directly with IFC. Rio Tinto will not take up its operator option; Sovereign remains operator.

The ASX Small Ordinaries index fell 1.27% to 3,390.80. Alkane Resources reported 42,491 gold-equivalent ounces for the June quarter and $454m total liquidity/investments. Greatland appointed Nick Strong as COO. Nexus acquired remaining 10% of Pinnacles for 100% ownership. Sovereign said Rio Tinto won’t take operator option for Kasiya; it will advance directly.

Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX/NYSE American: SVM) said new nationwide mine-safety measures in China will cause a temporary slowdown at its Ying and GC underground operations. The company will install “Six Major Safety Systems” after non-compliances were found, costing about US$5.5M and ~50 days, plus ~$6M in equipment upgrades. Production impacts are guided at 10–15% this quarter, 40–50% at Ying and ~50% at GC in July–September.