Name of the Project
Orom-Cross graphite project.

Location
Uganda.

Project Owner/s
Blencowe Resources.

Project Description
Orom-Cross is a large, shallow openpit deposit with an estimated overall resource of between two-billion and three-billion tonnes of graphite. A total of 16.3-million tonnes have been drilled to Joint Ore Resource standard.

A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) envisages an openpit, owner-operated mining operation.

The project will use existing indicated and inferred resources as drilled to Joint Ore Reserves Committee resource standards, delivering an estimated 1.4-million tonnes a year of ore for processing through the plant over a 13-year mine life. The strip ratio is 1: 1.1, which is low. 

The plant will contain separate circuits that will, ultimately, deliver an average of 75 000 t/y, comprising four separate end-products – jumbo, large, medium and small flake-size concentrates.

Potential Job Creation
A workforce of about 45 will be on site at any time, some of whom will be a fly-in, fly-out contingent from international locations.

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

Capital Expenditure
The project has an initial capital cost of $80-million, inclusive of 15% contingency.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Blencowe Resources has appointed Australian engineering firm Battery Limits to assist in completing a prefeasibility study (PFS) for the Orom-Cross graphite project.

Battery Limits will lead the PFS and will, ultimately, sign off on the study, which Blencowe says will provide credibility for all parties concerned.

Study aspects of process engineering and process plant design, capital and operating cost estimates, management of ongoing metallurgical testwork, infrastructure and project implementation will all be undertaken by Battery Limits.

Specialised subconsultants in Uganda and South Africa will also assist with tailings storage design and geotechnical and hydrological studies, under supervision of Battery Limits.

The PFS is expected to be completed in mid-2022.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Battery Limits (PFS).

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