Blencowe has announced new test work results showing that graphite from Orom-Cross can be used to manufacture synthetic industrial diamonds — an application many hadn’t expected. The tests were carried out by specialist partner ("AETC") in the United States, and importantly, the graphite delivered a diamond conversion yield of 53.6% by weight, exceeding the industry benchmark of around 50%.

Completion of the test work builds on previous test work that has shown numerous applications for Blencowe's high quality graphite including the upgrading of battery quality material, that delivered standout results.  That previous test work, a part of the SAFELOOP initiative, was also completed by American Graphite Specialist—AETC who commented:

"This is yet another testimony to the premium quality of Blencowe’s natural graphite and its excellent potential for application in the EV battery market."  You can read more here

In addition, last month Blencowe reported exceptional high-grade purification results from test work undertaken in association with Alkeemia S.P.A.(“Alkeemia”), a specialist graphite processing organisation based in Porto Marghera, Northern Italy.  This is the first Orom-Cross purification test work conducted within the EU and it represents a bridge into another significant market moving forward.

Why is Blencowe's latest test work of importance?

• Industrial diamonds are high-value products used in cutting, drilling, abrasives and many precision engineering uses.

• They’re usually manufactured using graphite feedstock — but much of that market is dominated by processing in China.

• Blencowe’s results suggest its graphite from Uganda could support diamond production outside China, opening a new downstream market alongside batteries and electric-vehicle supply chains.

AETC further observed that many natural graphite's, including several deposits across East Africa, are less suitable for synthetic diamond manufacture due to thicker, less compressible flake structures, which inhibit efficient diamond formation. In contrast, the fine, compressible flake characteristics of Orom-Cross graphite proved highly conducive to diamond synthesis, representing a distinctive quality signature of the deposit.

This isn’t just about selling more graphite — it’s about selling it into higher-value, strategic industrial markets.

More Good News from the Ground

This announcement follows recent drilling results from the nearby Iyan deposit — part of the broader Orom-Cross project — which continues to deliver significant graphite intercepts from shallow surface holes.

That reinforces a long-term strategy of building a large, near-surface, economically minable resource that could underpin production for many years.

Iyan Drilling Highlights

• Initial results from 15 of 72 shallow holes confirm thick, continuous near-surface graphite mineralisation at Iyan.
• The majority of reported holes are mineralised to end-of-hole at the planned ~30m depth, supporting depth continuity.
• Drilling confirms a laterally continuous graphite system well suited to bulk, low-strip mining.
• Average grades are consistent with DFS assumptions, with multiple higher-grade zones within bulk mineralisation.
• Selected holes demonstrate 30–31 metres of continuous mineralisation from surface.
• Results reinforce potential to add meaningful near-surface tonnage within trucking distance of planned processing facilities.
• Outcomes support near-term resource growth as the Company advances funding discussions in parallel.

Diversified Future Markets

Blencowe is no longer just about battery graphite. The ability to feed a synthetic diamond supply chain could increase long-term demand for its product. Western markets are actively seeking alternative sources for critical minerals. Having technical validation outside of China should be a competitive and strategic advantage.

Blencowe is positioning itself as a key supplier of critical industrial materials for the clean-energy era. Today’s, and previous test work results shine a spotlight on the versatility and quality of the Orom-Cross graphite — and set the stage for potential new commercial opportunities well beyond the original battery-market focus.