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- and three-billion tonnes of graphite. A total of 16.3-million tonnes have been drilled to Joint Ore Resource Committee standard.

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

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 a 15% contingency.

Planned Start/End Date
The company aims to produce its first graphite concentrates from a pilot plant by 2023, while full production from a main plant is expected from 2025.

Latest Developments
Blencowe has said that completed studies on the metallurgical characterisation of flake graphite concentrate from its Orom-Cross project have provided “very impressive results”, which the company believes will generate significant interest in the flake graphite grades planned for production from 2023 onwards.

The project has a unique orebody composition, with specific element content that is unequal to other graphite projects, Blencowe has stated.

Key results from the laboratory work show sulphur content of < 0.1% across all mesh size fractions.

The halogen content is suitable to meet advanced foil specifications, and the pH values indicate neutral – alkaline – which are suitable for expandable graphite to meet fire-retardant specifications.

There is also a lower cost to purify, as a result of lower specific elements.

Over the coming months, additional work after processing for new potential applications for Orom-Cross graphite products will be completed.

This work will support the progressive sales and marketing strategy focusing on traditional and advanced graphite applications, including primary and secondary battery markets, where demand for qualified graphite products is expected to continue increasing.

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.