Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE:BRES) said it had completed the final internal stage of the graphite pre-qualification test program from its Orom-Cross deposit in Uganda.
As part of the test, 600 tonnes of small flake concentrate was converted into battery-ready 99.95% uncoated SPG by Chinese SPG producer, TaiDa.
Blencowe added that it has now completed scale test work, produced battery-ready samples, and submitted an environmental report for the project as work on Orom-Cross’s definitive feasibility study continues.
SPG product samples have now been shipped to potential offtake partners across Asia, said Blencowe.
US firm ATEC is also carrying out additional tests to produce a range of high-value specialised micronised products.
Cameron Pearce, Blencowe’s executive chairman, said: "We continue to make solid progress, including the completion of the 600-tonne bulk sample metallurgical test work from source material to battery-ready products.
“We aim to build on our initial offtake agreement already announced (for 15,000tpa large flake concentrate) and gain further endorsement from potential tier-one consumers of SPG.
“Once we have assembled a range of customers and offtake agreements, we have effectively de-risked the project ahead of project financing and construction, therefore the next few months will be highly value accretive for the company.
“We expect this final external customer testing, including shipping product within Asia, to take approximately one month to complete.”