Blencowe Resources (LSE:BRES) has reported further positive testing results for graphite from its Orom-Cross project in Uganda, highlighting its potential for use across advanced battery, energy storage and defence applications.
Testing undertaken with US specialists Apollo Energy Systems and American Energy Technologies demonstrated high purity, strong conductivity and flexibility across multiple applications, supporting Blencowe’s strategy of targeting higher-value markets for Orom-Cross graphite.
The partners are now developing a high-performance 4HN military battery prototype designed to meet US Defence Logistics Agency specifications. Plans also include establishing a US pilot production line with an initial target capacity of 100 cells per month.
A potentially significant opportunity has also emerged for material generated during Blencowe’s planned graphite beneficiation process. Spheroidisation rejects from the proposed Ugandan facility can be upgraded into high surface area graphite for use as a performance-enhancing battery additive.
Blencowe estimates this material could account for approximately 30% of the beneficiation plant’s output. Converting what would otherwise be a lower-value by-product into a specialised graphite product could improve overall plant utilisation while creating an additional higher-value revenue stream.
Testing has indicated that Orom-Cross graphite can improve dynamic charge acceptance, cycling performance and high-rate partial state-of-charge behaviour in advanced valve regulated lead-acid batteries.
These characteristics could open opportunities across several sizeable markets, including grid-scale energy storage, data centres, telecommunications infrastructure and off-grid power systems. The relevant battery sector consumes tens of thousands of tonnes of graphite annually, providing Blencowe with another potential route to market alongside its existing battery-material ambitions.
The latest results follow previous technical programmes in which Orom-Cross graphite achieved purity levels of 99.99% and delivered strong performance results. Together, the findings reinforce the project’s potential to supply graphite products for multiple next-generation battery and specialist industrial applications.
Blencowe is seeking to develop higher-value niche offtake opportunities while strengthening relationships with US industry partners. This approach could help differentiate Orom-Cross and increase the project’s exposure to Western graphite supply chains as it progresses towards first production.
More about Blencowe Resources Plc
Blencowe Resources Plc is a London-listed natural resources company focused on developing the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda.
The project is being advanced as a potential source of high-purity graphite for energy storage, defence and specialist industrial applications. Blencowe is also pursuing an uncoated spheronised purified graphite beneficiation facility in Uganda designed to produce several graphite products and by-products.
The company’s strategy centres on maximising the utilisation and value of Orom-Cross concentrate while targeting higher-value Western markets outside the established Chinese supply chain.
Independent technical programmes have demonstrated that Orom-Cross graphite can achieve ultra-high purity and perform strongly across advanced battery and defence-related applications, supporting Blencowe’s objective of establishing the project as a competitive next-generation graphite source.
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