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#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – Half-year Report
The Company is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six-month period to 31 March 2024.
Electronic copies of the report will be available at the Company’s website www.blencoweresourcesplc.com
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Sam Quinn
|
Tel: +44 (0) 1624 681 250
|
Investor Enquiries Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
|
Tavira Securities Limited Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)203 192 1733 jonathan.evans@tavirasecurities.com
|
Interim Management Report
This report covers the period 30 September 2023 to 31 March 2024, and subsequent events to 30 April 2024.
Work has been progressing on many fronts, on four continents, as the Orom-Cross Definitive Feasibility Study “(DFS”) gathers momentum.
In September the long-awaited Technical Assistance Grant Agreement (“TAG”) was signed with the US Government’s private sector investment arm, the Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”). This is a US$5 million grant awarded to Blencowe to assist with DFS costs and it is with pleasure I note that Blencowe is the first pre-production graphite company to receive such a grant from the US Government. Aside from the obvious advantages of having approximately 40% of our overall DFS costs being funded for free the credibility of both our Company and our Orom-Cross project are both significantly raised by having a partner of this calibre. Blencowe wishes to state once again our appreciation to DFC for this grant and all efforts will be made to deliver a first class DFS as a result.
To date US$3 million of this grant funding has been received as tranches are delivered on DFS milestones being achieved. It is our expectation that the final US$2 million will be received over the next six months for further work and ultimately completion of DFS. In addition, DFC is mandated to play a role as lead partner in a funding solution for Orom-Cross implementation ahead, and management are working closely with DFC to ensure that this will happen as substantial funding solutions remain the largest challenge for any new graphite project, so to have DFC involved adds significant weight and prestige, and a potential funding party with US$5 million skin in the game.
During this period several key milestones have been met with regards to actual DFS work. In 2H 2023 a 100-tonne bulk sample was mined and delivered to a technical facility in northern China which is a leading expert on graphite processing, and this ore was then beneficiated into 96% LOI concentrate. This in turn provides offtakers with the knowledge that commercial scale processing of Orom-Cross ore can deliver same high quality results as all lab-scale testing has shown to date, and secondly to provide a substantial quantum of 96% concentrate for Blencowe to send to various parties as samples, for testing and review. Following the success of this action, and the request of several tier one potential offtake partners, Blencowe has more recently mined a further 600-tonne bulk sample and sent it to the same facility, for the same reasons. This latest sample will also be beneficiated beyond 96% concentrate to a 99.95% uncoated SPG (spheronised, purified graphite) which is very near to what is used in the lithium-ion battery as graphite content.
Ultimately Blencowe is seeking offtake contracts and this commercial scale test work is designed to provide the samples and the results to qualify Orom-Cross product for these contracts, which themselves form an integral part of the DFS.
Other work continues within Uganda on infrastructure, community relations, environmental updates and all other key aspects of the DFS, and Blencowe remains working towards end-2024 as the delivery date for the DFS – subject to all necessary funding received to deliver as such.
Specialist technical work has also been underway in this period in the USA, considering the beneficiation of Orom-Cross concentrates to various high end products, up to 99.99% which is military grade. To date all work has been successful and provided evidence Orom-Cross has one of the most pure concentrates and upgraded products and this will bode well in future offtake discussions.
Despite all of this progress the Company is facing macro-challenges and the UK market remains flat, which has a direct impact on both the share price and market value. Blencowe will continue to market its achievements and remains positive on the medium and longer term outlook for graphite. We will continue to build our project and add value as this will ultimately be significant as demand continues to rise, while supply of graphite (particularly high quality) remains static.
We thank our shareholders and other stakeholders for their continued support and we look forward to continuing to kick goals ahead to deliver the DFS and success for the Company.
Mike Ralston
Chief Executive Officer
Responsibility Statement of the Directors in respect of the Interim Report
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. In addition, the Directors have elected to prepare the Interim Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”), as adopted by the United Kingdom (“UK”).
The Interim Financial Statements are required to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.
In preparing these Interim Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:
· select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
· present information and make judgements that are reasonable, prudent and provides relevant, comparable and understandable information;
· provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particulars transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and
· make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position of the Group to enable them ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and Interim Financial Statements. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of Interim Financial Statements may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
· the Interim Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the UK, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group for the period;
· the Director’s report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and
· the interim report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the group’s performance, business model and strategy.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six month period ended 31 March 2024
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
||
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
||
Notes |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
|
|
|
|
||
Exploration costs |
(23,669) |
(16,642) |
(53,347) |
|
Administrative fees and other expenses |
5 |
(682,486) |
(446,424) |
(1,298,872) |
Operating loss |
|
(706,155) |
(463,066) |
(1,352,219) |
|
|
|
||
Finance costs |
(19,685) |
(23,010) |
(45,748) |
|
Loss before tax |
|
(725,840) |
(486,076) |
(1,397,967) |
|
|
|
||
Income tax |
– |
– |
– |
|
|
|
|
||
Loss after tax |
|
(725,840) |
(486,076) |
(1,397,967) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operation |
|
64,153 |
7,807 |
31,282 |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
64,153 |
7,807 |
31,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss |
|
(661,687) |
(478,269) |
(1,366,685) |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share (pence) |
10 |
(0.31) |
(0.28) |
(0.70) |
There was no other comprehensive income for the period ended on 31 March 2024.
The accompanying notes on form an integral part of the Interim Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2024
|
As at 31 Mar 2024 |
As at 31 Mar 2023 |
As at 30 Sept 2023 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
Notes |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Assets |
6 |
7,061,967 |
7,065,820 |
7,604,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
||||
Trade and other receivables |
7 |
113,470 |
135,901 |
31,863 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
444,991 |
130,740 |
129,853 |
|
Total current assets |
|
558,461 |
266,641 |
161,716 |
Total assets |
7,620,428 |
7,332,461 |
7,766,280 |
|
Current liabilities |
||||
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
8 |
(1,238,944) |
(414,843) |
(1,076,169) |
Total current liabilities |
|
(1,238,944) |
(414,843) |
(1,076,169) |
Non-current liabilities |
||||
Surface liabilities |
9 |
(783,549) |
(785,520) |
(818,915) |
Total liabilities |
(2,022,493) |
(1,200,363) |
(1,895,084) |
|
Net assets |
|
5,597,935 |
6,132,098 |
5,871,196 |
Equity |
||||
Share capital |
12 |
1,377,801 |
1,275,066 |
1,338,566 |
Share premium |
12 |
8,986,590 |
8,099,579 |
8,637,399 |
Warrants reserves |
428,342 |
402,148 |
428,342 |
|
Translation reserve |
94,892 |
7,264 |
30,739 |
|
Retained earnings |
(5,289,690) |
(3,651,959) |
(4,563,850) |
|
Total equity |
|
5,597,935 |
6,132,098 |
5,871,196 |
The accompanying form an integral part of the Interim Financial Statements.
|
Share capital |
Share premium |
Share option reserves |
Retained earnings |
Translation reserve |
Total equity |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
|
Balance as at 30 Sep 2022 |
1,181,316 |
7,480,829 |
402,148 |
(3,165,883) |
(543) |
5,897,867 |
Total comprehensive loss for 6 months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
– |
– |
– |
(486,076) |
– |
(486,076) |
Total comprehensive loss |
– |
– |
– |
(486,076) |
– |
(486,076) |
Contributions from equity holders |
||||||
New shares issued |
93,750 |
656,250 |
– |
– |
– |
750,000 |
Share issue costs |
– |
(37,500) |
– |
– |
– |
(37,500) |
Exchange differences on translation |
– |
– |
– |
– |
7,807 |
7,807 |
Total contributions from equity holders |
93,750 |
618,750 |
– |
– |
7,807 |
720,307 |
Balance as at 31 Mar 2023 |
1,275,066 |
8,099,579 |
402,148 |
(3,651,959) |
7,264 |
6,132,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss for 6 months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
– |
– |
– |
(911,891) |
– |
(911,891) |
Total comprehensive loss |
– |
– |
– |
(911,891) |
– |
(911,891) |
Contributions from equity holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New shares issued |
63,500 |
571,500 |
– |
– |
– |
635,000 |
Share issue costs |
– |
(33,680) |
– |
– |
– |
(33,680) |
Warrants reserve |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
– |
– |
26,194 |
– |
23,475 |
49,669 |
Total contributions from equity holders |
63,500 |
537,820 |
26,194 |
– |
23,475 |
650,989 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 30 Sep 2023 |
1,338,566 |
8,637,399 |
428,342 |
(4,563,850) |
30,739 |
5,871,196 |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the six month period ended 31 March 2024
Total comprehensive loss for 6 months |
||||||
Loss for the period |
– |
– |
– |
(725,840) |
– |
(725,840) |
Total comprehensive loss |
– |
– |
– |
(725,840) |
– |
(725,840) |
Contributions from equity holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New shares issued |
39,235 |
353,115 |
– |
– |
– |
392,350 |
Share issued costs |
– |
(3,924) |
– |
– |
– |
(3,924) |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
– |
– |
– |
– |
64,153 |
64,153 |
Total contributions from equity holders |
39,235 |
349,191 |
– |
– |
64,153 |
452,579 |
Balance as at 31 Mar 2024 |
1,377,801 |
8,986,590 |
428,342 |
(5,289,690) |
94,892 |
5,597,935 |
The accompanying notes on form an integral part of the Interim Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six month period ended 31 March 2024
As at 31 Mar 2024 |
As at 31 Mar 2023 |
As at 30 Sept 2023 |
||
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
||
Notes |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
|
Operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Loss after tax |
(725,839) |
(486,076) |
(1,397,967) |
|
Depreciation |
– |
104 |
– |
|
Finance costs |
19,685 |
23,010 |
45,748 |
|
Adjustment to Surface Liability |
– |
– |
– |
|
Share issue/warrant cost |
– |
– |
26,194 |
|
Unrealised currency translation |
126,864 |
261,566 |
182,264 |
|
Changes in working capital |
||||
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables |
7 |
(81,607) |
(50,054) |
53,984 |
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables |
8 |
162,775 |
(39,568) |
272,664 |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
(498,122) |
(291,018) |
(817,113) |
Investment activities |
||||
Purchase of fixed assets |
– |
(748) |
– |
|
Investment in exploration assets |
(1,175,345) |
(621,988) |
(713,848) |
|
Net cash flows from investment activities |
(1,175,345) |
(622,736) |
(713,848) |
|
Financing activities |
|
|||
DFC Government grant |
6 |
1,600,178 |
– |
– |
Shares issued (net of issue cost) |
388,427 |
697,500 |
1,313,820 |
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
1,988,605 |
697,500 |
1,313,820 |
|
Increase in cash and short-term deposits |
315,138 |
(216,254) |
(217,141) |
|
Cash and short-term deposits brought forward |
129,853 |
346,994 |
346,994 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
444,991 |
130,740 |
129,853 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Interim Financial Statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements for the six month period ended 31 March 2024
1. General
Blencowe Resources Plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company incorporated and registered in England and Wales on 18 September 2017 with registered company number 10966847 and its registered office situated in England and Wales at 167-169 Great Portland Street, Fifth Floor, London, England W1W 5PF.
The Group did not earn any trading income during the period under review but incurred expenditure in developing its principal assets.
The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the six month period ended 31 March 2024 comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”).
2. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The Interim Financial Statements of the Group are unaudited condensed financial statements for the six month period ended 31 March 2024.
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these Interim Financial Statements, are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements and have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies applied for the financial year to 30 September 2023 which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by UK. The Group Financial Statements have been prepared using the measurement bases specified by IFRS each type of asset, liability, income and expense.
The Group Financial Statements are presented in GBP, which is the Group’s functional currency. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest pound, unless otherwise stated.
Government grants
This is the first reporting period the Group is recognising government grants. Government grants are recognized once the entity has complied with conditions attaching to them and they have been received. Governments grants are accounted for using the capital approach under which a grant is recognized outside the profit and loss. Government grants related to assets, are presented in the statement of financial position by deducting the grant in arriving at the carrying amount of the asset. The grant is recognized in profit or loss over the life of a depreciable asset as a reduced depreciation expense.
Comparative figures
The comparative figures have been presented as the Group Financial Statements cover the 6 month period ended 31 March 2023 and the 12 month period ended 30 September 2023. During 2024, the Group discovered that share premium had been erroneously classified as share capital and administration expenses captured as share issue costs for interim accounts as at 31 March 2023. Refer to Note 12.
3. Critical accounting estimates and judgments
In preparing the Group’s Interim Financial Statements, the Directors have to make judgments on how to apply the Group’s accounting policies and make estimates about the future. The Directors do not consider there to be any critical judgments that have been made in arriving at the amounts recognised in the Group Financial Statements.
4. Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the annual financial statements of Blencowe Resources Plc for the year ended 30 September 2023. A copy of these financial statements is available on the Group website at https://blencoweresourcesplc.com.
5. Administrative fee and other expenses
|
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 Months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Directors’ remuneration |
69,857 |
70,023 |
140,051 |
Professional fees |
80,001 |
121,692 |
226,471 |
Salaries |
75,000 |
75,000 |
150,000 |
Listing fees |
20,933 |
18,218 |
41,123 |
Audit fees |
33,498 |
21,644 |
35,000 |
Share issue/warrant cost |
– |
– |
26,194 |
Administration fees |
23,500 |
23,500 |
47,000 |
Sponsorship |
5,690 |
– |
– |
Broker fees |
18,434 |
20,500 |
41,000 |
Travelling expenses |
11,034 |
7,959 |
16,852 |
Ugandan taxes |
342,751 |
– |
392,425 |
Miscellaneous fees |
4,445 |
87,888 |
72,625 |
Royalties |
1,244 |
– |
– |
Foreign currency (gain)/loss |
(3,901) |
– |
110,131 |
Total |
682,486 |
446,424 |
1,298,872 |
The Group had two employees who are key management personnel and three Directors. The Directors and the key management personnel’s remuneration related solely to short term employee benefits.
6. Non-Current assets
For the period ended 31 March 2024 intangible assets represents capitalised costs associated with the Group’s exploration, evaluation and development of mineral resources net of any Government grants received.
|
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 (Unaudited) GBP |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 (Unaudited) GBP |
12 months ended 30 Sept 2023 (Audited) GBP |
Exploration assets |
8,662,145 |
7,065,176 |
7,604,564 |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
– |
644 |
– |
Grant from US Government (Refer below) |
(1,600,178) |
– |
– |
Total |
7,061,967 |
7,065,820 |
7,604,564 |
The company signed a US$5 million agreement with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”) in order to provide substantial funding for the Orom Cross Definitive Feasibility Study programme, via a Technical Assistance Grant (“TAG”). The DFC is a proxy for the US Government which funds the organisation and ultimately sets its vision, parameters and funding distribution. DFC payments will be made as agreed feasibility study milestones are achieved. As part of the US$5 million Technical Assistance Grant (“TAG”) the DFC has a right of first refusal on commercial terms to arrange project financing for the Orom-Cross project, which may deliver Blencowe with a full funded solution to bring Orom-Cross into production with support from a major financial institution. The agreement is subject to various events of default.
7. Trade and other receivables
|
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 Months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Other receivables |
35,166 |
21,526 |
9,421 |
Prepayments |
78,304 |
114,375 |
22,442 |
Total |
113,470 |
135,901 |
31,863 |
8. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
|
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 Months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Payables |
707,912 |
103,980 |
644,585 |
Surface liabilities (Note 9) |
– |
143,036 |
– |
Accruals and provision |
194,352 |
167,827 |
39,159 |
Ugandan taxes |
336,680 |
– |
392,425 |
Total |
1,238,944 |
414,843 |
1,076,169 |
9. Surface liabilities
Blencowe Resources Uganda Limited, the Company’s subsidiary entered into an agreement for surface rights over the land in the mineral area of the licence. The land owners granted Blencowe Resources Uganda Limited a 49 year lease over an area. The liability to the land owners is to be paid in 8 instalments at defined dates with the final payment due in 2035.
|
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 Months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Total payable at the beginning of the period |
818,915 |
978,255 |
978,255 |
Utilisation |
– |
– |
(148,468) |
Interest charged during the period |
19,685 |
23,010 |
45,748 |
Exchange loss on valuation |
(55,051) |
(72,709) |
(56,620) |
Total payable as at period end |
783,549 |
928,556 |
818,915 |
|
|
|
|
Analysis between current and non-current liability |
|
|
|
Payable within 12 months |
– |
143,036 |
– |
Payable after 12 months |
783,549 |
785,520 |
818,915 |
|
783,549 |
928,556 |
818,915 |
The value of the lease is measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor
over the lease term, with the discount rate of 5%.
10. Loss per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share is based on the following data:
6 months ended 31 Mar 2024 |
6 months ended 31 Mar 2023 |
12 Months ended 30 Sep 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
Earnings |
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Loss from continuing operations for the period attributable to the equity holders of the Group |
(661,687) |
(478,269) |
(1,397,967) |
Number of shares |
|||
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share |
|||
210,540,876 |
168,803,923 |
200,041,594 |
|
Basic and diluted loss per share (pence) |
(0.31) |
(0.28) |
(0.70) |
There are no potentially dilutive shares in issue.
11. Related party transactions
The are no related party transactions during the period except for the Directors’ remuneration, which have been disclosed in note 5.
Sam Quinn is a director and shareholder of the Company and a Director of Lionshead Consultants Limited. During the period, Lionshead Consultants Limited charged fees for consultancy fees of £18,000 (31 March 2023: £18,000 and 30 Sep 2023: £36,000).
12. Reclassification
During 2024, the Group discovered that share premium had been erroneously classified as share capital and administration expenses captured as share issue costs for interim accounts as at 31 March 2023. These errors has been corrected by restating each of the affected financial statement line items for prior periods. The following table summarises the impact on the Group’s consolidated accounts.
Impact of reclassification |
|||
As previously reported |
Restatement |
As restated |
|
|
GBP |
GBP |
GBP |
Total assets |
7,332,461 |
– |
7,332,461 |
Total liabilities |
(1,215,363) |
15,000 |
(1,200,363) |
Net assets |
6,117,098 |
15,000 |
6,132,098 |
Share capital |
1,931,316 |
(656,250) |
1,275,066 |
Share premium |
7,428,329 |
671,250 |
8,099,579 |
Warrants reserve |
402,148 |
– |
402,148 |
Translation reserve |
7,264 |
– |
7,264 |
Retained earnings |
(3,651,959) |
– |
(3,651,959) |
Total Equity |
6,117,098 |
15,000 |
6,132,098 |
There is no material impact on the Group’s basis or diluted earnings per share and no impact on the total operating, investing or financing cashflows for the half year ended 31 March 2023.
13. Events after the reporting date
On 10 April 2024, the Company announced the receipt of its third tranche US$1 million funding from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”). This payment, representing a further 20% of the full US$5 million DFC grant further supports the ongoing Orom-Cross Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) costs, bringing the total received to US$3 million since the agreement was signed in Sept 2023. The DFC is the primary US Government finance institution set up to provide financially sound solutions for private sector initiatives pertaining to critical challenges facing the world.
Blencowe Resources #BRES – First Offtake MOU Signed for 15,000 Tonnes of Large Flake Per Annum
Blencowe Resources signs its first non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for natural large flake concentrate offtake from the Orom-Cross Graphite Project. Partnering with Jilin New Technology Graphite Co. (“Jilin”), a prominent global graphite consumer, this initial MOU is the first of several offtake agreements anticipated to complete in the near future ahead of completing the DFS.
Highlights:
- Agreement provides for sale of significant percentage of large flake end products
- Offtake Supply Agreement: MOU to supply 15,000t/annum of blended large flake graphite, covering 66% of Orom Cross initial large flake production for up to three years from start.
- Industry Leader Jilin is a leading processor of battery anode materials and expandable graphite based in north east China.
- Pricing Terms to Follow: Pricing to be agreed under the terms of a formal agreement to be
entered into following completion of the Orom-Cross Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”). - Higher Revenue Contribution: As large flake concentrate commands substantially higher
prices than small flakes this MOU covers approx. 50% of the total revenue from Orom-Cross. - Product Validation through Testing: Initial offtake MOU follows substantial test work,
validating product quality. - Advanced Pilot Plant Progress: 600-tonne bulk sample test program nearing completion,
facilitating direct engagement with potential customers for small flake concentrate. - Ongoing Tier-One Discussions: Following successful trip to China and South Korea, Blencowe maintains positive discussions with tier-one offtakers worldwide for the balance of its planned
annual graphite production.
Jilin MOU
The Jilin MOU follows extensive discussions between Blencowe senior management during the recent visit to China, and follows successful bulk testing of graphite concentrate produced by Orom-Cross.
Jilin, a leading vertically integrated graphite producer, is the parent company of the group that completed the 100 tonne bulk sample for Blencowe in 2023 and is currently undertaking the 600t bulk sample processing program which is nearing completion.
The 600t bulk sample will generate commercial scale graphite concentrate divided into large and small flakes. The small flake concentrate will be upgraded to 99.95% by a leading Chinese SPG (spheronised purified graphite) producer, to be distributed to OEMs thereafter for their own testing. Completion of this exercise will be in Q3 2024, facilitating qualification of Orom-Cross small flake products with tier-one offtakers and paving the way for offtake agreements (currently under discussion). This small flake qualification process leading to offtake agreements, which often takes several years, has been expedited by Blencowe who will have completed it in a much shorter timeframe than other graphite companies.
Unlike small flake product, large flake products do not require the same qualification process, hence the more rapid move to signing this first MOU.
Orom Cross Production
The Pre-Feasibility Study envisages Orom-Cross initially delivering 50,000tpa of concentrate post commencement of full mining operations. Approximately 45% of this will be delivered as large flake products which means that the Company will have up to 22,500t per annum of large flake capacity to sell.
This Jilin MOU thus encompasses two-thirds of the company’s proposed steady state production of large flake graphite products (+100mesh, +80mesh and +50mesh) within the first three years. Thereafter it is anticipated the overall production volume will ramp up substantially. Given that large flake concentrate commands substantially higher prices than small flakes, this 15,000tpa to Jilin represents nearly 50% of the anticipated initial total revenue from Orom-Cross, underscoring the MOU’s significance in the context of future project financing and returns.
Other MOUs
Blencowe is currently in advanced negotiations with multiple leading OEMs in China and South Korea regarding the sale of its remaining large flake products and smaller flake products utilised in batteries. These discussions have been positive and the Company anticipates delivering further MOUs with leading buyers of graphite products worldwide with the aim of securing offtake partners for the entire production output from Orom-Cross.
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“This MOU is a key milestone for the Company and it is just the beginning. We anticipate announcing several more agreements over the next few months. Jilin is a leading graphite company globally and this is a strong endorsement of the graphite product from Orom-Cross. The 600-tonne bulk testing program will allow us to provide concentrate to qualify our small flake products through a rigorous qualification process so that we can progress offtake discussions with other tier-one consumers of graphite. We have been able to fast-track what is typically a lengthy process and look forward to completing this qualification process shortly by delivering the relevant concentrate and SPG to these groups.”
“This key milestone reflects the rapid progress we have made. Over the coming months we expect to maintain momentum by securing further MOUs and advancing the DFS. Each step brings us closer to unlocking more value and further de-risking the Orom-Cross project. We look forward to delivering further updates on project key components particularly results of our 600-tonne testing programme and further on offtakes.”
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn www.blencoweresourcesplc.com
Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
info@blencoweresourcesplc.com
Investor Relations Sasha Sethi Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
sasha@flowcomms.com
Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733
jonathan.evans@tavira.group
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/72382491/admin/
Background
Orom-Cross Graphite Project
Orom-Cross is a potential world class graphite project both by size and end-product quality, with a high component of more valuable larger 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 has moved into the Definitive Feasibility Study phase as it drives towards first production.
Orom-Cross presents as a large, shallow open-pitable deposit, with a maiden JORC Indicated & Inferred Mineral Resource deposit of 24.5Mt @ 6.0% Total Graphite Content. Development of the resource is expected to benefit from a low strip ratio and free dig operations, thereby ensuring lower operating and capital costs.
#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – Corporate Presentation Updated
Blencowe Resources (BRES: LON) wishes to advise it has updated its corporate presentation which can be found on the Company’s website (www.blencoweresourcesplc.com).
The corporate presentation provides and up to date overview of the Company, its assets and strategy. The Company will be updating its presentation regularly in the forthcoming months and will notify interested parties upon each material update.
A direct link to the presentation: https://blencoweresourcesplc.com/presentation/
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn (London Director) |
+44 (0)1624 681 250 |
Investor Enquiries Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441 sasha@flowcomms.com |
Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 7100 5100 jonathan.evans@tavira.group |
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/blencowe-resources/
Background
Orom-Cross Graphite Project
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. Blencowe completed a successful Pre-Feasibility Study on the Project in July 2022 and is now completing the Definitive Feasibility Study prior to commencing production of graphite concentrate.
Orom-Cross presents as a large, shallow open-pitable deposit, with an initial JORC Indicated & Inferred Mineral Resource of 24.5Mt @ 6.0% TGC (Total Graphite Content). This Resource has been defined from only ~2% of the total tenement area which presents considerable upside potential ahead. Development of the resource is expected to benefit from a low strip ratio and free dig operations together with abundant inexpensive hydro-electric power off the national grid, thereby ensuring low operating costs. With all major infrastructure available at or near to site the capital costs will also be relatively low in comparison to most graphite peers.
#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – CEO Video Interview
Blencowe Resources (BRES:LON), is pleased to share two recent interviews with CEO Mike Ralston on the Focus Communications IR and Mining News platforms:
Interview with Focus IR:
“Mike Ralston, CEO of Blencowe, outlines plans to become one of the world’s largest graphite producers”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnnCkdCPfT0
Interview with Mining News:
“Blencowe building on mining-to-battery plan at the Orom-Cross graphite project”
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“Blencowe recently recorded video interviews on the media platforms linked above to provide investors with further detail following a successful management trip to Asia. In China we visited Jilin Huiyang New Material Technology Company which is currently undertaking processing of a 600 tonne bulk sample of small flake graphite from Orom-Cross. This effort aims to produce commercial scale processed samples for a range of tier-1 offtakers in both China and South Korea, who have shown significant interest in high-quality processed product from Orom-Cross, especially smaller sized flakes suitable for SPG processing for the battery industry, including Electric Vehicles. Investors should note that prequalification of product with industry buyers is a crucial step for any serious graphite miner, and Blencowe is well advanced on this route.
In addition to the small flake graphite, we have received positive feedback on large flake graphite samples from Orom-Cross from other potential offtake parties, with larger flake graphite typically commanding premium prices.
During our trip, we also met with various EPC groups and Chinese strategics to advance our in-country downstream SPG processing strategy. We believe that adding local Ugandan downstream SPG processing facilities will enable us to capture more of the downstream value chain and significantly enhance Orom-Cross’s already compelling economics. This will also substantially differentiate Blencowe from its graphite peers. So far, test work in China has been progressing positively, as have discussions regarding potential offtake MOUs and strategic partnerships for downstream SPG processing.
We anticipate further updating the market on the progress of our test work and the interest from potential offtakers in the coming weeks.“
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn (London Director) |
+44 (0)1624 681 250 |
Investor Enquiries Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441 sasha@flowcomms.com |
Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 7100 5100 jonathan.evans@tavira.group |
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/blencowe-resources/
Background
Orom-Cross Graphite Project
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. Blencowe completed a successful Pre-Feasibility Study on the Project in July 2022 and is now within the Definitive Feasibility Study phase as it drives towards first production.
Orom-Cross presents as a large, shallow open-pitable deposit, with an initial JORC Indicated & Inferred Mineral Resource of 24.5Mt @ 6.0% TGC (Total Graphite Content). This Resource has been defined from only ~2% of the total tenement area which presents considerable upside potential ahead. Development of the resource is expected to benefit from a low strip ratio and free dig operations together with abundant inexpensive hydro-electric power off the national grid, thereby ensuring low operating costs. With all major infrastructure available at or near to site the capital costs will also be relatively low in comparison to most graphite peers.