Orom-Cross: Uganda’s graphite gamble moves up the value chain

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that the Orom-Cross graphite project in northern Uganda is evolving from a basic mining proposal into a broader plan to process more of the material locally and target higher-value markets. The project, led by British developer Blencowe Resources, is located in Orom East in Kitgum District and is being positioned as a possible supplier to battery, energy-storage and other industrial users.

According to the article, recent company updates point to continued testing of Orom-Cross graphite with a U.S. partner, American Energy Technologies, and to an advanced commercial relationship with a potential European customer, although both remain subject to further technical and documentation steps. The report says the company is also working on applications beyond conventional graphite concentrate sales, including material used in specialist advanced systems. The piece frames this as part of Uganda’s wider push for mineral beneficiation, or adding value before export.

The article also notes that Blencowe has expanded its reported resource estimate at Orom-Cross and revised its project economics upward in May 2026, following changes in offtake, pricing, product mix and downstream plans. The company’s updated development plan includes two phases, with initial production of concentrate and some spherical graphite, followed by larger-scale output and more processing in Uganda.

The Independent’s analysis suggests the key question is no longer only whether the project can produce graphite, but how much value can be captured locally and whether financing for production can be secured. Graphite is important for lithium-ion batteries and other industrial uses, which helps explain the project’s strategic significance.