High-Grade Graphite Extensions Boost Blencowe’s Orom-Cross Project

Blencowe Resources has reported highly encouraging assay results from the first phase of its stage seven drilling programme at the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in northern Uganda, marking a major milestone in the company’s exploration and development strategy. This campaign, the largest in Blencowe’s corporate history, has delivered confirmation of high-grade graphite extensions across multiple deposits, underscoring Orom-Cross’s potential to emerge as one of Africa’s most strategically significant graphite assets. The new data strengthens the project’s profile as a large-scale, high-quality, and low-cost source of graphite critical to the fast-growing battery and electric vehicle (EV) sectors.

The latest round of drilling incorporated a comprehensive mix of geotechnical, infill, and exploration work, spanning key areas such as the Camp Lode, Northern Syncline, and the recently discovered Beehive deposit. Results from eight geotechnical drill holes revealed consistent high graphite grades and confirmed mineralisation continuity beyond previously defined zones. This not only enhances confidence in the existing resource base but also indicates significant upside potential in both tonnage and grade. The findings will directly contribute to an upcoming JORC-compliant resource upgrade, while feeding into the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) planned for completion in Q4 2025.

Importantly, the higher-grade extensions are expected to have a positive impact on Orom-Cross’s mine plan, project economics, and Net Present Value (NPV). The project already benefits from an enviable combination of shallow, easily accessible ore and established national infrastructure, including access to Uganda’s low-cost hydropower grid, reliable road networks, and supportive local logistics. These factors position Orom-Cross to become one of the lowest-cost graphite producers globally, while maintaining high operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Independent metallurgical testwork has further validated the project’s potential, demonstrating exceptional graphite purity levels of up to 99.99% graphitic carbon (GC), a benchmark quality suitable for the premium battery anode market. Such purity levels, coupled with Orom-Cross’s scale and resource continuity, could enable Blencowe to supply critical materials into the global energy transition supply chain, where demand for battery-grade graphite is expected to soar in the coming decade.

As the energy storage and EV sectors continue to expand, the Orom-Cross project’s combination of resource size, grade, purity, and infrastructure access positions it as one of the most bankable and sustainable graphite developments in Africa. Beyond contributing to Uganda’s emerging role in the global critical minerals market, the project exemplifies how African mining ventures can align with global decarbonisation goals, supporting cleaner energy technologies while driving local economic development and job creation.

Mini-Glossary

• Assay Results: Laboratory analyses used to determine the composition and grade (quality) of mineral samples.
• Graphite: A form of carbon used in batteries, refractories, and other industrial applications; a key material for lithium-ion battery anodes.
• JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee): The Australian standard for reporting mineral resources and reserves, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
• Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS): A detailed technical and economic study conducted before mine development to confirm project viability.
• Geotechnical Drilling: Drilling conducted to evaluate ground conditions for mine design and infrastructure stability.
• NPV (Net Present Value): A financial metric assessing the profitability of a project by calculating the present value of future cash flows.
• Graphitic Carbon (GC): The measure of pure carbon content in graphite ore, expressed as a percentage of total sample weight.
• Energy Transition: The global shift from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy sources, increasing demand for battery materials like graphite.