Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE: BRES) has announced that independent purity assessments conducted in both China and the US have verified the capability of transforming graphite extracted from its Orom-Cross deposit in Uganda into an ultra-premium grade product.
The evaluation at Wuhan University yielded SPG (spheroidized purified graphite) results of 99.96 wt%C, while tests conducted by American Energy Technology produced SPG with an impressive purity level of 99.99 wt%C.
Highlights:
· Blencowe has successfully completed critical next-step metallurgical test work with initial stage SPG (“spheronised purified graphite”) upgrading now completed.
· Test work was completed by two separate graphite technical experts to ensure quality control and quality assurance:
o Leading Chinese graphite laboratory at Wuhan University, which realised SPG values of 99.96 wt%C.
o Leading American graphite firm American Energy Technology, which generated SPG with purity values of 99.99 wt%C.
· These results prove that Orom-Cross graphite can upgrade into one of the purist SPG products, which will strengthen offtake negotiations and ultimately deliver more value to the project.
· Additional metallurgical test work proceeding with samples of uncoated SPG and other flake sizes distributed to potential off-takers and battery manufacturers.
Cameron Pearce, the Executive Chairman, expressed that the findings were “remarkable,” showcasing the potential for generating top-notch SPG products from the Orom-Cross deposit.
“The ultimate test for any graphite product lies in its ability to be refined to a 99.95% SPG grade, which is then coated for use in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries,” he stated.
“We are not just meeting the highest standards across most critical metrics, but our testing also reveals the potential to derive additional valuable products from the waste material generated during the process, further solidifying our commercial strategy.”
Pearce emphasized that these positive results are poised to enhance offtake discussions, ultimately contributing to the project’s increased value.
He concluded by noting that additional metallurgical testing is underway, with samples of uncoated SPG and various flake sizes being distributed to prospective offtakes and battery manufacturers for further evaluation.
