Fortuna Metals has confirmed a significant rutile discovery at its Mkanda project in Malawi, with high-grade drill results reaching up to 2.21% rutile over wide intervals. This discovery, adjacent to a world-class deposit, signals strong potential for a large-scale titanium feedstock resource.
- Peak assay of 2.21% rutile confirmed by hand auger drilling
- 544 drill holes completed across 180km² with mineralisation open at depth
- Plans for deeper Aircore drilling in 2026 to explore resource continuity
- Graphite assays underway as a complementary commodity focus
- In-country laboratory being established to accelerate assay turnaround
Significant Rutile Discovery at Mkanda
Fortuna Metals Limited (ASX, FUN) has announced a major milestone with the confirmation of high-grade rutile mineralisation at its Mkanda project in Malawi. The initial hand auger drilling results have revealed rutile grades peaking at 2.21%, with continuous intervals of over 10 metres exceeding 1% rutile. These findings highlight the potential for a substantial rutile resource starting from surface and extending beyond the current drilling depths.
The Mkanda project covers approximately 180 square kilometres and has seen an extensive drilling campaign, with 544 holes completed to an average depth of 8 metres. Notably, most drill holes ended in mineralisation, indicating that the rutile deposit remains open at depth and may extend significantly further.
Strategic Location and Dual Commodity Potential
Situated immediately south of Sovereign Metals’ world-class Kasiya rutile deposit; the largest rutile and second largest flake graphite deposit globally; Mkanda benefits from a highly prospective geological setting. The rutile mineralisation is interpreted as a residual placer deposit formed through tropical weathering processes, concentrating heavy minerals in situ.
In addition to rutile, Fortuna is concurrently analysing graphite samples, aiming to leverage the region’s known graphite occurrences. This dual commodity focus could enhance the overall project economics, especially given the growing demand for both titanium feedstock and graphite in advanced manufacturing and energy storage technologies.
Next Steps, Deeper Drilling and Local Laboratory Setup
Looking ahead, Fortuna plans to commence Aircore and push tube drilling in early 2026. This deeper drilling, targeting depths of 20 to 30 metres to reach the saprock boundary, is critical to defining the continuity and scale of the rutile mineralisation. Such depths align with the Kasiya deposit’s resource profile and could substantially increase Mkanda’s resource potential.
To support faster assay turnaround and more agile decision-making, the company is establishing an in-country laboratory in Lilongwe. Equipped with Gemini wet shaking tables for heavy mineral separation, this facility will expedite sample processing and enable more responsive exploration management.
Market Context and Strategic Implications
Rutile, a high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock, is critical for pigment production, titanium metal manufacturing, and emerging applications such as robotics, where titanium’s lightweight strength is highly valued. With traditional rutile deposits depleting globally, new discoveries like Mkanda are poised to meet tightening supply and growing industrial demand.
Fortuna’s discovery thus positions it well within a market expected to grow significantly, with titanium metal demand forecast to nearly double by 2034. The proximity to established infrastructure, including rail and power, further enhances the project’s development prospects.
Bottom Line?
As Fortuna advances deeper drilling and accelerates assays, Mkanda’s potential to become a major rutile supplier is coming sharply into focus.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming Aircore drilling results impact the estimated resource size and grade?
- What will the graphite assay results reveal about the project's dual commodity value?
- How quickly can the in-country laboratory improve assay turnaround and influence exploration pace?