Name of the Project
Orom-Cross graphite project.

Location
Orom district, northern Uganda.

Project Owner/s
Graphite miner Blencowe Resources.

Project Description
The proposed graphite mining and processing project comprises a large, shallow openpit deposit. The Jorc-compliant resource totals 43-million tonnes grading 5.76% total graphitic carbon (TGC) at a 3.5% TGC cutoff, while Jorc reserves total 23-million tonnes grading 5.18% TGC.

The definitive feasibility study (DFS), released in December 2025, envisages staged development over an initial 15-year mine life. A May 2026 update to the commercial model underpinning the DFS refined the production and downstream pathways.

Phase 1 is designed to produce up to 20 000 t/y of 97% TGC concentrate at Orom-Cross and up to 3 000 t/y of spheronised graphite from an in-country beneficiation facility proposed near Gulu. 

Phase 2 will scale production to up to 70 000 t/y of 97% TGC concentrate and up to 10 000 t/y of uncoated spheronised purified graphite and expandable graphite.

Growth beyond Phase 2 will be driven by demand and contracted sales. Blencowe plans to maximise Ugandan value addition through upgraded graphite products, using third-party processors where appropriate while developing in-country capability.

Potential Job Creation
Blencowe’s March 2026 presentation refers to long-term job opportunities and an education fund being in place.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The May 2026 revised DFS commercial model estimates a net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of $1.254-billion, up 15% from $1.087-billion, and an internal rate of return of 51% over the initial 15-year mine life. 

Capital Expenditure
The revised DFS model retains capital expenditure of $45-million for Phase 1 and $125-million for Phase 2, covering the mining and processing operation and the beneficiation facility near Gulu.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated. Construction is subject to funding.

Latest Developments
In May 2026, Blencowe updated the DFS commercial model to reflect new high-value offtake agreements, revised pricing, costs and timing, expanded reserves, and greater confidence in product mix and saleability. Expandable graphite was also added to the downstream pathway.

Funding remains the key gatekeeper. Several prospective Phase 1 equity partners have signed nondisclosure agreements and are conducting data-room due diligence, while engagement with prospective Phase 2 debt providers is progressing.

Blencowe has submitted applications for several sizeable graphite tenders, with greater clarity expected in the third quarter of 2026. UK government-funded road upgrades from Kitgum to Orom-Cross have started, and a permanent contractor camp was completed in the first quarter of 2026.

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.