Using an 0.7% rutile cut-off, Kasiya contains 644 million tonnes grading 1.01% rutile for 6.5Mt of in-situ rutile.

Using a 1.2% cut-off generates a higher grade 137Mt at 1.41% rutile.

Kasiya compares to Iluka Resources' 715Mt at 1.1% rutile in Sierra Leone.

Sovereign claims "substantial additional resource growth is expected" given 57% of the 114sq.km drill defined rutile mineralised footprint wasn't included in the estimate.

"Further near-future resource growth could see Kasiya potentially become the largest and preeminent rutile deposit globally, with central Malawi potentially becoming the largest rutile province in the world," Sovereign said.

"Kasiya could significantly impact the titanium industry with the potential to displace carbon, energy and waste-intensive alternatives (synthetic rutile and titania slag)."

Further setting the scene for Sovereign is Iluka recently advising of the potential suspension of operations at Sierra Rutile.

According to Sovereign there are "limited new deposits forecast to come online, and hence supplies of natural rutile are likely to remain in structural deficit".

It's understood an operation in the range of 10-20Mt per annum could be assessed in the scoping work.

Shares in Sovereign were up 6% to 72c in early trade, capitalising the company at $298 million.

The stock was trading at less than 20c 12 months ago.

Sovereign raised $8 million in April by issuing new shares priced at 40c each.

Capital market promoters involved with the story include Sprott and Sovereign chairman Ian Middlemas.