UK-headquartered graphite developer Blencowe Resources has received a formal Letter of Interest (LoI) from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), in which the DFC has indicated its willingness to participate in debt funding for the Orom-Cross graphite project, in Uganda, subject to all necessary due diligence.

This follows recent discussions with the DFC’s project funding division and follows the 2023 agreement with the DFC's technical assistance division, which already entered into a $5-million technical assistance grant (TAG).

To date, grant funds totalling $2-million have been received from the DFC under the TAG, with the balance expected during the course of this year as certain milestones are met.

The TAG also provided for the DFC to have the right to be mandated to directly provide – and/or arrange for – financing or investment for the project on commercial terms.

This LoI is the first step of engagement with the DFC project funding division to advance the project financing process.

"This LoI is an important next step in the process for the DFC to consider project financing support to build Orom-Cross into a producing mine. Project funding will be crucial for the company this year as we work to conclude the definitive feasibility study (DFS) and this engagement with the DFC continues to underpin our long-term relationship with the DFC, as lead mandated partner, to assist in this exercise,” says Blencowe executive chairperson Cameron Pearce.

During the course of this year, Blencowe will work closely with the DFC to reach a decision to mine subject to the DFS results and other due diligence.

Graphite is high on the US government’s critical metals and minerals list and their strategy is to open up long-term supply chains of graphite. Demand for graphite is accelerating and is expected to continue growing into the future, owing primarily to its non-replaceable role within the lithium-ion battery that stores energy.

Hence, the company aims to position Orom-Cross to deliver a 'green' graphite product through a variety of production initiatives, including the use of hydroelectric power for all mining and processing energy requirements.

Orom-Cross is expected to become one of the leading sustainable mining projects worldwide, the company says. This is an important component of the DFC charter and critical within a rapidly changing landscape where every participant along the electric vehicle supply chain is being audited on their sustainability credentials by original equipment manufacturers.

Orom-Cross's potential ability to aid in the further development of the Ugandan economy, empowering its population and driving investment and future development has also proved attractive to the DFC.

“Our executive management team will be meeting DFC in the near term to evaluate the project implementation strategy and build on the momentum we have already created together.  We believe this is a unique partnership that is significantly de-risking Orom-Cross and we will continue to showcase this exceptional asset as we deliver the DFS results this year,” says Pearce.