Name of the Project
Orom-Cross graphite project.

Location
Uganda.

Project Owner/s
Blencowe Resources.

Project Description
A preliminary economic assessment has shown the potential of Orom-Cross to deliver a long-life mining operation with strong financial returns.

The project proposes the development of an openpit, owner-operated mining operation using existing resources, delivering, on average, 1.4-milion tonnes of ore for processing.

The processing plant will be located near the first two major deposits of graphite to be mined. The flowsheet comprises a flash and rougher flotation stage, followed by a primary cleaning circuit with a polishing mill and three stages of cleaner flotation. The intermediate concentrate is classified and then further upgraded in secondary cleaning circuits with stirred media mills followed by cleaner flotation.

The plant will comprise separate circuits, which will, ultimately, deliver an average of 75 000 t/y of graphite sold as concentrate, with the capacity to extend this after further drilling.

The life-of-mine is estimated at 13 years, but is likely to be extended as Blencowe has drilled only a small percentage of the total graphite available.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $317-million and an internal rate of return of 49%, with a payback of four years.

Capital Expenditure
Initial capital costs are estimated at $80-million, including a 15% contingency.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Work will now begin on the prefeasibility study, which will include an upgraded Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant resource statement.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

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