Blencowe Resources (BRES) has demonstrated that graphite taken from its Orom-Cross project in Uganda performs at a superior level across multiple battery technologies.
In the latest round of testing, undertaken by Apollo Energy Systems Inc, Orom-Cross graphite delivered around a 12% enhanced performance in lead-acid battery cells.
When added as a component in the negative electrode Orom-Cross graphite improved energy capacity, charge acceptance, resistance to sulfation and overall cycle life.
These outcomes highlight the opportunity to expand into the large, established lead-acid battery market, used in vehicles, grid storage and backup systems globally.
The tests showed the best performing materials from Orom-Cross to be purified by-products from the Spherical Purified Graphite (SPG) process. These could potentially become new high-value outlet for secondary graphite streams.
Anode materials containing over 68% natural Orom-Cross graphite, replacing predominantly synthetic graphite inputs used in most EV batteries, delivered performance levels that exceeded expectations, confirming Orom-Cross graphite's exceptional electrochemical characteristics.
These results complement earlier testing by American Energy Technologies under the EU-funded SAFELOOP programme, in which Orom-Cross graphite achieved 99.98 wt%C (weight percent carbon) purity and was used to produce electric vehicle anode materials containing over 68% natural graphite.
Testing programmes are continuing.
"We have extensive testing underway in multiple locations worldwide, using different partners with deep technical expertise in their respective fields,” said Blencowe’s executive chairman Cameron Pearce.
“This latest programme with Apollo Energy has opened a potential new market opportunity for Orom-Cross graphite in the large, well-established lead-acid battery sector. These latest results further confirm what sets Orom-Cross apart and specifically that our graphite material substantially enhances performance delivering higher capacity, greater charge acceptance and longer battery life. This means Orom-Cross graphite can add real value in a market that already consumes tens of thousands of tonnes of graphite each year and operates outside the Chinese supply chain. As we move towards completion of our definitive feasibility Study these ongoing results are helping shape our marketing strategy and early offtake discussions, particularly in higher value western markets.”
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Independent studies by leading graphite technical experts continue to demonstrate that the Orom-Cross product has a rare combination of high purity, superior conductivity, and multi-market adaptability. The lead-acid battery market consumes over 50,000 tonnes of graphite annually across the US, Europe and Australia, entirely outside China's supply chain, and thus represents a very strategic opportunity for Blencowe. Shares in the company have doubled over the past 12 months, and continuing confirmation of the very high quality of its graphite is one reason why.