Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE:BRES) said separate purity tests in China and the US have confirmed that graphite from its Orom-Cross deposit in Uganda can be upgraded into an ultra-high-grade product.
Tests at Wuhan University realised SPG (spheronised purified graphite) values at 99.96 wt%C., while those carried out by American Energy Technology produced SPG with purity values of 99.99 wt%C.
Cameron Pearce, executive chairman, said the results were "outstanding" and indicated that exceptional SPG products will be produced from Orom-Cross.
"The ultimate pre-qualification test for all graphite is how the concentrate upgrades to the 99.95% SPG product that then gets coated before going into the anode within the lithium-ion battery.”
“Not only are we at the highest levels on most relevant indicators but testing has shown we can deliver other valuable products from waste material generated within the process which further strengthens our commercial model."
Pearce said the results would strengthen offtake negotiations and ultimately deliver more value to the project.
Additional metallurgical test work is proceeding, he added, with samples of uncoated SPG and other flake sizes distributed to potential offtakers and battery manufacturers.