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Blencowe Resources Plc, a London-listed mining company, is nearing a significant milestone in its Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda. The company has completed all major infrastructure workstreams within its definitive feasibility study (DFS), a move that it says positions the project for low-cost, “green graphite” production.
The infrastructure developments, including access to Uganda’s national hydropower grid and a government-backed road upgrade, are expected to provide substantial upfront capital cost savings and a faster timeline to production. The company is also constructing a permanent camp and is considering rail access from Gulu.
The progress has earned the support of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which has invested $4.75 million of a total $5 million grant. This funding, according to Blencowe, validates the Orom-Cross project as a “world-class graphite asset.”
In addition to the infrastructure progress, Blencowe recently concluded its largest-ever drilling campaign, which it says exceeded expectations. The drilling program, designed to increase mineable reserves and explore a new deposit, is expected to result in a material upgrade to the project’s Joint Ore Reserves Committee (Jorc) compliant resource.
“Completing the infrastructure workstream is a major de-risking milestone for Orom-Cross,” said Cameron Pearce, Executive Chairperson of Blencowe Resources. “Having hydropower, water, communications, and upgraded road access effectively in place translates into lower capital expenditure, shorter development timelines, and a sustainable, ESG-compliant operation.”
With the DFS progressing, assay results from the drilling program are expected shortly. The company believes that these developments, along with future offtake agreements, will lead to a major value inflection for the project.
