In our last article on Blencowe Resources we discussed Blencowe's invitation to join the Elite, European Commission Consortium (SAFELOOP) 'Blencowe Joins Elite European Commission Consortium to Exclusively Supply Graphite Concentrate for European EV Buses'

Today, the company have announced that in collaboration with its US-based technical partner and graphite specialist American Energy Technologies Co. (“AETC”), Orom-Cross graphite has undergone initial testing and upgrading to battery quality material, delivering standout results.

Testing confirmed the exceptional purity of Orom-Cross graphite, with thermal refinement to 99.98% wt%C – exceeding industry standards. Furthermore, composite anodes produced with Orom-Cross graphite achieved an outstanding 68.4 wt% natural graphite content, one of the highest loadings ever recorded in the battery industry, thus reinforcing its strategic importance in advanced battery applications.

Highlights:

• Ultra-Pure Graphite: Orom-Cross graphite thermally refined to 99.98% wt%C, demonstrating exceptional purity over and above market standards.
• Industry-Leading Loadings: Composite anodes using Orom-Cross graphite achieved 68.4 wt% natural graphite content – one of the highest loadings recorded in the battery industry specific to the EV battery anode composition.
• Superior Performance: Initial electrochemical tests indicate outstanding results, driven by the unique properties of Orom-Cross graphite.
• Strategic Potential: SAFELOOP’s anticipated graphite concentrate demand from Orom-Cross could lead to substantial, high-value offtake opportunities.

What Does This Mean?

It's a huge step forwards for the initiative and the company, proving the quality of Orom-Cross graphite and its ability to be 'up-scaled' to battery grade composite anode material.  

Testing was performed 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."

Given Blencowe's unique invitation to SAFELOOP and the results of test-work, the company can now eye off-takes for its smaller flake natural graphite, the type used in EV batteries and that destined for supply for European Buses.

SAFELOOP represents a transformative opportunity for Blencowe and its Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda, positioning the project as a critical supplier in the European EV supply chain with exclusive access to premium pricing contracts, large-scale offtake commitments of up to 100,000 tonnes annually, and strategic partnerships with tier-one European gigafactories and EV manufacturers.

Blencowe are 'walking the walk' when it comes to progressing the project and the DFS is nearing completion, a key milestone that will open the door to funding for the project of which the US DFC (Development Finance Corporation) have already provided a LOI indicating they will participate, along with Blencowe's MSP Accreditation opening the door to further funding available through the programme.

Meanwhile the company are in the progress of a further drill prgramme at Orom-Cross to significantly expand the Orom-Cross resources base.  This is one of the final steps which Blencowe need to complete for the DFS.

2025 could be a transformational year for Blencowe with completion of the drill-programme, near-term, and DFS completion around mid-year all against a back-drop of progressing their tier1 partnerships that are now positioning Blencowe as a 'stand-out' junior mining company and early-stage investment opportunity on the London Market.