Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE:BRES) said it has engaged leading engineering firm CPC Engineering to lead, deliver and sign off on the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Orom-Cross graphite oroject in Uganda.
In a statement, Cameron Pearce, Blencowe executive chairman commented: "We are pleased to add another high-quality partner to the Orom-Cross Project. CPC has a very impressive track record within the graphite market and we are now able to leverage off their skills, experience and relationships to ensure we deliver a first-class DFS."
He added: "The graphite market continues to shift in our favour and we expect the supply-demand imbalance to widen further, as demand for graphite accelerates, given its material role within lithium-ion batteries. Orom-Cross has continued to exceed our expectations and we remain focused on delivering a world-class project. CPC are recognised as one of the top tier engineering firms within the graphite sector and their sign off on the DFS will not only help optimise the project, but also provide the credibility required for project funding and market support."
CPC has extensive experience in other leading graphite projects in East Africa, having completed the DFS for the Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar, as well as both the Mahenge and Chilalo Graphite Projects in Tanzania and the scoping study for the Ancuabe Graphite Project in Mozambique. It also completed the detailed engineering, procurement, construction support and commissioning services for the Syrah Resources Balama Graphite Project in Mozambique.
Blencowe said it is pleased to have partnered with a firm with extensive experience in both graphite and flotation circuits. CPC will work with the company and various other Ugandan service providers in the delivery of the DFS for Orom-Cross Graphite in 2023.
The CPC works will include:
- Optimisation of the process plant design, incorporating results of the various testwork programs from SGS, IMO and the pilot plant works (Jilin/China) along with CPC's expertise in design and construction of graphite process plants.
- Provide updated and optimised CAPEX and OPEX for project cost and schedule certainty;
- Provide updated project costs and schedule for the Project non-processing Infrastructure.
- Sign off on full DFS once completed to provide the third-party approval from a recognised leading technical firm as required to ensure project funding support.
Orom-Cross is a potential world-class graphite project both by size and end-product quality, with a high component of more valuable larger coarse flakes within the deposit.
A 21-year Mining Licence for the project was issued by the Ugandan Government in 2019 following extensive historical work on the deposit and Blencowe completed a successful Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in 2022. The company has now moved into the DFS phase as it drives towards first production.