Name of the Project
Orom-Cross graphite project.

Location
Orom district, northern Uganda.

Project Owner/s
Blencowe Resources.

Project Description
The proposed graphite mining and processing project is characterised as a large, shallow openpitable deposit. 

The definitive feasibility study (DFS), released in December 2025, envisages an initial two-phase development, starting with a smaller Phase 1 operation producing up to 20 000 t/y of concentrate and micronised products.

Phase 2 will start development within two years of Phase 1 commissioning to expand mine output to up to 70 000 t/y of concentrate. 

It is planned that a downstream beneficiation facility will upgrade small flake concentrate into battery-ready 99.95% total graphitic carbon uncoated spheronised purified graphite (USPG) product, initially up to 20 000 t/y, with modular expansion aligned to the scale-up of mining.

Beyond Phase 2 production, Orom-Cross is expected to expand in stages towards 175 000 t/y of concentrate and 80 000 t/y of USPG, funded entirely by cash flow generated in house.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated in the provided DFS announcement.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The DFS reports an after-tax net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of $1.087-billion and an internal rate of return of 96% for the integrated mine and downstream beneficiation facility.

Capital Expenditure
Phase 1 is at estimated at $40-million and Phase 2 at $120-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Phase 1 is targeting first production in the first half of 2027.

Latest Developments
Blencowe Resources has reported high-grade purification testwork results, following trials completed with Alkeemia, a graphite processing specialist based in Porto Marghera, Italy. 

This marks the first Orom-Cross purification programme undertaken in the EU and supports the project’s positioning into European downstream markets.

Blencowe has stated that all concentrates tested have been successfully upgraded using Alkeemia’s proprietary chemical-based purification process to achieve 99.99% carbon content. This exceeds the 99.95% purity generally required for lithium-ion battery applications. This purity level could enable Orom-Cross to target higher-value markets, including specialist industrial applications and supply-constrained sectors such as defence and nuclear.

Alkeemia’s process provides a Western, non-Chinese purification route and is described as simpler, less toxic and more cost-effective than conventional acid-based processes widely used in China. Blencowe has noted that this aligns with European and US policy objectives focused on establishing secure, independent and sustainable critical mineral supply chains.

Orom-Cross has previously achieved 99.99% purity through testwork conducted by US-based American Energy Technologies Company (AETC), which used a proprietary thermal purification method. Blencowe has said this work with AETC has supported access to niche offtake opportunities, including engagement linked to the US Department of Defence and the EU Safeloop initiative.

Using different purification methodologies by AETC and Alkeemia broadens downstream processing optionality, Blencowe has noted. It is continuing discussions with Alkeemia regarding potential technical and commercial collaboration. 

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
CPC Engineering (DFS management and sign-off)

Contact Details for Project Information
Blencowe Resources, tel +44 1624 681 250 or email info@blencoweresourcesplc.com.