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#BRES Blencowe Resources – Orom-Cross Graphite Project Update
Blencowe Resources Plc (“Blencowe” or the “Company”), is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Orom-Cross Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”), and some of the expected activities in the current quarter.
Highlights:
· Further 600 tonne bulk sample completed for shipment to China for commercial scale testing and further OEM testing of processed 99.95% purified SPG product. Testing to be carried out in Q1 2024. Interest in Orom-Cross product has been high from various tier one battery off-takers.
· Strong support for Orom-Cross from Government of Uganda and specifically Ministry of Mines and Energy. Tenements and licenses in good standing, relations remain strong.
· Next milestone for further grant funding from the US Government Development Finance Corporation is close to completion and will be announced once funds have cleared.
· DFS work continuing with activities in four countries, including Uganda, China, US and Australia. Further environmental work continues in parallel to infrastructure studies.
· Downstream processing options which may provide transformational value opportunities continue to be explored.
A further 600 tonnes of bulk sample graphite was mined at Orom-Cross in late 2023 in order to provide significantly more product for commercial scale testing in China, using the same graphite expert (Jilin) who had successfully completed the testing on the 100 tonne sample previously. This product will be shipped to China and testing will be done in 1Q 2024 and the resultant concentrate will then be further processed to 99.95% purified product for OEM testing thereafter. This is ultimately expected to lead to offtake agreements. To date all testing has been extremely positive and as a result there is plenty of interest in all Orom-Cross products from various tier one battery off-takers.
The Government of Uganda, and specifically the Ministry of Mines and Energy, have been very supportive of this latest bulk sample programme (with representatives in attendance at the time of bulk sampling) and their backing of Orom-Cross continues at all levels. All tenements and licenses are in good standing and relations remain strong.
Blencowe is near to delivering on the next milestone for further grant funding from the US Government Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”) and this will be announced once funds are cleared. This remains an important, non-dilutive, source of funding for project work.
DFS work will continue with activities continuing in four countries, including Uganda, China, US and Australia. Further environmental work is also underway and will continue in parallel to infrastructure studies in-country. Orom-Cross benefits from substantial key infrastructure already in place near to the project, including roads, communications and access to hydro-electric energy from the national grid. Further announcements in relation to DFS progress will follow as key deliverables are achieved.
Test work on expandability of purified coarse flake product will also be finalised in 1Q 2024 with a leading graphite technical expert in Chicago, USA. This will determine the quality and characteristics of purified coarse flake end products as opposed to purified smaller flake products which were successfully tested in late 2023. Orom-Cross project has a strong mix of both coarse (+195) and smaller flake (-195) products, all of which are in demand.
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“Blencowe continues to progress the DFS on a number of key fronts, working towards a project strategy that ultimately delivers the most value for the Company. We have a unique value proposition at Orom-Cross, with low operating costs, low capital costs and high grade of purity for all end products, which together provide a very compelling case for this project moving into production ahead of most of its peers. We will also continue to explore downstream processing options as this can potentially take Orom-Cross to yet another level and we will report to market as we progress this. All in all we envisage an exciting year ahead as we complete the DFS and move the project towards a decision to mine.”
For further information please contact:
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Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn |
www.blencoweresourcesplc.com Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
|
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Investor Relations Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
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Tavira Securities Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733 jonathan.evans@tavirasecurities.com
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First Equity Limited Jason Robertson |
Tel: +44(0)20 7330 1833 jasonrobertson@firstequitylimited.com
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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 is now in the Definitive Feasibility Study phase shortly 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.
#FCM First Class Metals Plc – SPODUMENE IN ALL NINE ZIGZAG DRILL INTERSECTIONS
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK listed metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce that spodumene-bearing pegmatites have been intersected in every targeted hole drilled at First Class Metals’ Zigzag lithium Property. The identified mineralization remains open along strike and down dip.
HIGHLIGHTS
· Spodumene (a high-grade lithium mineral – Li[AlSi 2O6].) bearing pegmatite intersected in all nine targeted holes drilled.
· Over 50m of pegmatite intersections recorded (see figure 1 for area of drilling)
· Multiple mineralised pegmatite zones were intersected in holes targeting 400m of the known 800m strike.
· Pegmatite thickness exceeded 5m thick, down hole, and the potentially multiphase mineralised system remains open along strike and down dip / plunge.
· All holes are being systematically logged and marked up for sampling before cutting / sample collection.
First Class is pleased to announce the completion of the final hole of its inaugural drill programme at the Company’s Zigzag Property (the “Property”), located in the Seymour-Falcon corridor in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The drill programme included 9 holes targeting the pegmatite bearing zone and one hole (the tenth, final hole) being a scissor to ZIG-23-06, to confirm the interpreted dip of the structure. The 10-hole, 450-metre drill programme was completed successfully on the 16th December within budget and time schedules
Photo 1 Drill rig completing FCM-23-09, step back to FCM-23-05
The drilling targeted the 400m central section of the property which had been subject to a non-mechanised stripping and channel sampling programme reporting up to 2.36% lithium (Li2O) over 5.5m (See RNS 28th November), see figure 1. Historic drill holes also reported an intersection grading 1.08% Li2O over 6.1m from 12.45m and a separate intersection of 399.8ppm Ta2O 5over 2.92m from 15.50m.
Figure 1–Drilling covered the area of channel sampling and ‘grabs’ on roughly 50 m centres (note historic grid lines are on 200ft (60m) centres).
Visual observations undertaken whilst logging the core have recorded spodumene-bearing pegmatite in all holes which targeted the pegmatite, (see Photo 2-drill hole FCM-23-01) The core is now being logged in detail then it will be ‘marked-up’ for cutting (sampling), it is anticipated that circa 100 samples will be sent for analyses in Thunder Bay. Results from the initial batch are expected in early Q1 2024.
Photo 2-Shallow intersection of pegmatite hosting spodumene (pale green ‘blades’ in hole ZIG-23-01).
Marc J Sale Chief Executive Officer Commented-
“The completion of the drilling at Zigzag has consolidated the undertaking to shareholders / investors that FCM would bring 4 properties to ‘drill ready status’ and drill one this season. I am extremely pleased with the (visual) indications of the drill core and the robust intersections that I have seen so far. I look forward with positive anticipation to the first results. We are already planning the next stages of exploration.”
For further information, please contact:
|
James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
|
|
Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
|
Jonathan Brown |
0207 3742212 |
|
|
Jason Robertson |
0207 3742212 |
|
ECR Minerals #ECR – Creswick Drilling Campaign, Andrew Scott talks to Adam Jones
ECR Minerals Technical Director Adam Jones talks to Andrew Scott about Creswick campaign progress at the Davey Road prospect and how the team are refining the approach to prospecting in the region
- Quartz seen between 30-60m
- A gold shoot is believed to be located at a knoll at the Davey Road prospect
- Drilling into the shoot will help to work out the distribution of the gold grades and the estimated location of the main quartz trend and spur veins
- An estimated 50m of strike at the Kuboid Hill prospect
#FCM First Class Metals – Zigzag exploration update – drilling commences
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK listed metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce a that drilling has commenced on the Zigzag property which is currently focussed on the lithium (Li), tantalum (Ta) rubidium (Rb) and gallium (Ga) potential.
Highlights:
· An Early Exploration Agreement (EEA) has been signed with Whitesand First Nation (WFN).
· A contract to undertake up to 500m of drilling has been signed with Rodren Drilling a Whitesand FN approved ‘service provider’.
· Channel sample results identify a >1% Li2O zone on the western portion of the ‘core’ 400m zone. Significant number of channel samples returned >1% Li2O, including:
Channel 7 2.36% lithium (Li2O) over 5.5m
· Drill operations have commenced on the Company’s Zigzag hard rock lithium (Ta/ Rb/ Ga) prospect.
Marc J. Sale First Class Metals CEO commented:
“The signing of the EEA with Whitesand exemplifies the positive relationship FCM is building with the First Nations. This agreement has paved the way for FCM’s inaugural drill program, marking an exciting milestone for our company. We are thrilled to begin drilling at Zigzag, making it the first property where FCM will undertake drilling. This demonstrates our commitment to advancing our exploration efforts and emphasizes our dedication to responsible resource development.“
Figure 1 showing the Zigzag property with the recent sampling, both grabs and channels, focussing on the central portion of the claim block, where drilling has commenced.
An Early Exploration Agreement (EEA) has been signed between Whitesand First Nation and First Class Metals. Under the agreement FCM is allowed to undertake activities requiring and Exploration Permit, as awarded by the Province. FCM has agreed to support the Whitesand community.
Whitesand First Nation Economic Development representative commented:
“Whitesand First Nation is looking forward to working with First Class Metals, and the positive relationship that is evolving. We wish them luck on their drilling program and are excited to see what the New Year brings.“
Drilling Plan
The drill programme preparation commenced on Monday with core expected today, this maiden programme will be focussed in the central 400m to explore the areas of high channel sample results, particularly Channel 7.
Initially 7 drillholes of over 50m are planned with the provision for a deeper ‘step-back’ based on visual, encouragement. The basis for the drilling is the encouraging grab samples and channel sample results previously reported. Nine channels were cut with lengths of under 5m to over 10m, channel lengths were usually controlled by overburden and not necessarily by cessation of pegmatite geology.
Figure 2 showing the location of the channels relative to the ‘core 400m’ zone, drilling will extend further to the east of the channel sample area where >1% Li2O grabs samples were collected.
The results from the channels are very encouraging. It must be stressed that only hand stripping of vegetation was undertaken and often, exemplified by channels 5 and 7, the outcrop persisted but the vegetation cover was too onerous to be removed by hand.
The results have not only vindicated the grab samples in respect to the lithium oxide content but also highlighted again the presence of other important, critical minerals such as tantalum, gallium and rubidium.
Photo 2 Rodren equipment being mobilised to the Zigzag property
For further information, please contact:
|
James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
|
|
Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
|
|
Ayub Bodi, Executive Director |
07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
|
Jonathan Brown |
0207 3742212 |
|
|
Jason Robertson |
0207 3742212 |
|
First Class Metals PLC – Background
First Class Metals is focussed on exploration in Ontario, Canada which has a robust and thriving junior mineral exploration sector. Specifically, the Hemlo ‘camp’ is a proven world class address for gold /VMS exploration. This geological terrane has significant production, both base / precious metals and a prolific number of exploration projects and numerous prospector’s ‘showings’.
FCM currently holds 100% ownership of seven claim blocks covering over 180km² along a 150km strike of the Hemlo-Schreiber-Dayohessarah greenstone belt which also contains the >23M oz shear hosted Hemlo gold mine operated by Barrick Gold. Late last year FCM completed the option to purchase the historical high grade (gold) Sunbeam past producing mine
The significant potential of the properties for precious, base and battery metals relate to: ‘nearology’ insomuch that all properties lie close to identified mineral anomalism, for example Palladium One’s RJ and Smoke Lake nickel projects are close to the FCM’s West Pickle Lake drill proven Ni-Cu project. This also demonstrates the second critical asset the properties hold: vector, anomalies, be they geological, geochemical, or geophysical that have demonstrated mineral potential extend on to FCM’s properties.
The inferred shear on the Esa property is being explored by neighbours both to the west and east where it crosses into their properties. Furthermore, the properties have not been extensively explored either historically or more contemporaneously. This is attributable to the overall lack of outcrop. However, modern exploration techniques are better able to ‘see through’ the ground cover and to identify anomalies.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements which are based on the Company’s expectations, intentions and projections regarding its future performance, anticipated events or trends and other matters that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as ‘aim’, ‘anticipate’, ‘target’, ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘goal’, ‘believe’, or other words of similar meaning. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
#FCM First Class Metals – ZIGZAG LITHIUM-HIGH GRADE CHANNEL SAMPLES
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK listed metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce a further, significant, update on the progress on the Zigzag property which is currently focussed on the lithium and tantalum potential.
Highlights:
· Channel 7 2.36% lithium (Li2O) over 5.5m
including 2.5m at 3.44% Li2O.
· Channel sample results identify a >1% Li2O zone on the western portion of the ‘core’ 400m zone. Significant number of channel samples return more than >1% Li2O.
· Prospecting identifies mineralisation in a subparallel zone, assays pending.
Marc J. Sale First Class Metals CEO commented:
“The results from the channel samples have vindicated our enthusiasm to advance the potential of this property. The tenure of the spodumene and therefore the lithium reporting in the central sector of the property gives increased confidence in the prospectivity over the strike extensions. We are eagerly advancing the planning for drilling now the funds have been secured.”
Figure 1 showing the Zigzag property with the recent sampling, both grabs and channels, focussing on the central portion of the claim block.
The channel sampling was based on the visually encouraging results from the prospecting and associated grab samples.
The complete table of the grab samples was reported in a previous news release, however the 10 best ‘grabs’ are reproduced below.
|
Sample_No. |
Caesium Cs_ppm |
Gallium Ga_ppm |
Lithium Li_ppm |
Rubidium Rb_ppm |
Tantalum Ta_ppm |
|
F006543 |
92.6 |
107 |
17000 |
820 |
75.2 |
|
F006545 |
128 |
101 |
16500 |
1190 |
115 |
|
F006549 |
77 |
118 |
21200 |
302 |
80.6 |
|
F006573 |
85 |
112 |
17800 |
536 |
179 |
|
F006574 |
102 |
152 |
29700 |
404 |
57.3 |
|
F006576 |
81.7 |
124 |
22300 |
514 |
467 |
|
F006580 |
70 |
113 |
18500 |
650 |
145 |
|
F006583 |
36.5 |
108 |
20100 |
255 |
235 |
|
F006586 |
44.5 |
117 |
18300 |
846 |
724 |
|
F006592 |
66.9 |
153 |
27500 |
587 |
54.3 |
Table 1, showing the 10 highest grab samples along a 400m ‘core’ zone.
Nine channels were cut with lengths of under 5m to over 10m, channel lengths were usually controlled by overburden and not by diminished outcrop. A total of 80 samples were submitted to the laboratory for analysis, these included, where exposed not only the pegmatite but one, one metre sample in the host rock, which is in general mafic volcanics to the north and granitic rocks to the south.
The samples can therefore be easily segregated into four broad categories: mafic, pegmatitic, granitic pegmatites and granite.
Figure 2 showing the location of the channels relative to the ‘core 400m’ zone.
The results from the channels are very encouraging. It must be stressed that only hand stripping of vegetation was undertaken and often, exemplified by channels 5 and 7, the outcrop persisted but the vegetation cover was too onerous to be removed by hand. Accordingly it is felt that with mechanical stripping many of these channels could be extended. Additionally it is also likely that ‘gaps’ in the outcrop continuity might also be exposed as being pegmatite when exposed with mechanical stripping. The current permit allows both stripping and drilling.
The results have not only vindicated the grab samples in respect to the lithium oxide content but also highlighted again the presence of other important, critical minerals such as tantalum, gallium and rubidium.
|
Channel |
Length (metres) |
Lithium (Li20%) |
Tantalum (Ta205) ppm |
Gallium (Ga) ppm |
Rubidium (Rb20) ppm |
|
3 |
2.4 |
0.81 |
170 |
80 |
2000 |
|
Includes |
1.00 |
1.31 |
170 |
90 |
2920 |
|
3 |
3.1 |
1.52 |
60 |
90 |
1820 |
|
Includes |
0.9 |
2.54 |
100 |
110 |
2550 |
|
and |
0.5 |
2.05 |
40 |
100 |
950 |
|
4 |
1.8 |
1.85 |
220 |
90 |
1740 |
|
5 |
2.2 |
0.96 |
130 |
90 |
1280 |
|
Includes |
0.8 |
1.39 |
100 |
100 |
940 |
|
6 |
2.00 |
1.96 |
160 |
110 |
1170 |
|
7 |
5.5 |
2.35 |
150 |
120 |
1740 |
|
Includes |
2.5 |
3.43 |
170 |
140 |
1270 |
|
8 |
1.8 |
1.03 |
110 |
80 |
2070 |
|
Includes |
0.5 |
1.43 |
90 |
90 |
1050 |
|
9 |
1.9 |
1.15 |
290 |
80 |
1400 |
|
Includes |
0.6 |
2.19 |
500 |
80 |
1010 |
|
9 |
3.7 |
1.14 |
150 |
100 |
1290 |
|
Includes |
1.9 |
1.41 |
160 |
100 |
1710 |
Photo 1 showing the extent of outcrop exposed by hand stripping. Also not the change in rock type from mafic volcanics (closest) to granitic-pegmatite.
Hand stripping and channel sampling does not allow continuous sampling of the structure as it is obscured by soil, moss and other vegetation. It is believed that once mechanical stripping is undertaken the continuity of outcrops will be further enhanced.
Photo 2 showing sample of the spodumene rich pegmatite
Further prospecting and exploration
Prospecting and soil sample lines were conducted to the south of the ‘main’ pegmatite zone.
A subparallel structure has been identified to the south. Sample results are pending but visual evidence suggest a second pegmatite or a splay may exist to the south of the main zone which has been the current focus of exploration.
For further information, please contact:
|
James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
|
|
Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
|
|
Ayub Bodi, Executive Director |
07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
|
Jonathan Brown |
0207 3742212 |
|
|
Jason Robertson |
0207 3742212 |
|
First Class Metals PLC – Background
First Class Metals is focussed on exploration in Ontario, Canada which has a robust and thriving junior mineral exploration sector. Specifically, the Hemlo ‘camp’ is a proven world class address for gold /VMSexploration. This geological terrane has significant production, both base / precious metals and a prolificnumber of exploration projects and numerous prospector’s ‘showings’.
FCM currently holds 100% ownership of seven claim blocks covering over 180km² along a 150km strike of the Hemlo-Schreiber-Dayohessarah greenstone belt which also contains the >23M oz shear hosted Hemlo gold mine operated by Barrick Gold. Late last year FCM completed the option to purchase the historical high grade (gold) Sunbeam past producing mine
The significant potential of the properties for precious, base and battery metals relate to: ‘nearology’ insomuch that all properties lie close to identified mineral anomalism, for example Palladium One’s RJ and Smoke Lake nickel projects are close to the FCM’s West Pickle Lake drill proven Ni-Cu project. This also demonstrates the second critical asset the properties hold: vector, anomalies, be they geological, geochemical, or geophysical that have demonstrated mineral potential extend on to FCM’s properties.
The inferred shear on the Esa property is being explored by neighbours both to the west and east where it crosses into their properties. Furthermore, the properties have not been extensively explored either historically or more contemporaneously. This is attributable to the overall lack of outcrop. However, modern exploration techniques are better able to ‘see through’ the ground cover and to identify anomalies.
#FCM First Class Metals – Exploration Agreement signed with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK listed metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce the signing of an Exploration Agreement (‘EA’) with the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation (“NNFN” or “the Community”) covering the North Hemlo, Esa & Sugar Cube Properties.
Highlights
· Under the signed Exploration Agreement, the Company will continue to conduct mineral exploration with the support of the Community. The agreement promotes unity and a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between First Class Metals and the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation.
· The EA allows for the exploration of the North Hemlo, Esa & Sugar Cube Properties which are located within the Traditional Territories of the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation.
· The Exploration Agreement recognizes and respects the Aboriginal and Treaty rights and interests of the Community with their constitutional and other legal rights.
· The Exploration Agreement is in line with the First Class Metals’ commitment to build sincere relationships with First Nation Communities. We have an active interest and respect for all people, and we understand the social, environmental, and economic implications of our activities.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation Commented-
“NNFN has a long history of productive engagement with the mining industry and supports mining activity in areas that are mutually beneficial to the First Nation and to its industry partners. We commend the importance First Class Metals places on engagement with our community, and its commitment to protect our lands and waters. FCM’s pro-active engagement with NNFN is a model for other companies seeking to work in our territory.”
Marc J Sale, First Class Metals CEO Commented–
“I am extremely pleased that the efforts to establish a transparent honest relationship with NetmizaaggamigNishnaabeg First Nation and their representatives has culminated in the signing of this agreement and I look forward to working with the Community as we progress First Class’s exploration areas. Now this EA has been granted we intend to imminently start a stripping program on the Esa Property, with the intention of bringing it to a true ‘drill ready status”
For further information, please contact:
|
James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
|
|
Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
|
|
Ayub Bodi, Executive Director |
07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited (Financial Adviser & Broker)
|
Jonathan Brown |
0207 3742212 |
|
|
Jason Robertson |
0207 3742212 |
|
#FCM First Class Metals Plc – MCKELLAR & ENABLE GRANTING OF EXPLORATION PERMITS
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce that its 100% owned subsidiary First Class Metals Canada Inc. (“FCMC”) has received notification from the Ontario Province of the granting of two further Exploration Permits.
The permits are effective for a period of three years until expiry on the 16th November 2026. The permitted activities are: stripping, trail cutting and diamond drilling,
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploration permits for Enable and McKellar received from the Ontario Ministry of Mines.
- FCMC now holds six exploration permits over properties of great merit.
- The area covered by valid exploration permits has expanded significantly, encompassing nearly 200km² of land. Within this vast area, we have identified numerous priority drill targets across each of our properties. These targets hold immense potential for exploration and discovery.
Enable
The Enable property is transected by a regional structural contact with an inferred extent of 5km, within the property, with proven mineralisation. Historical showings on the property include Perch Lake reporting 1.85ppm Au. FCM has validated that assay as well as several hundred metres away identified outcrop with assays up to 7ppm Au and 80ppm Ag. Further work, initially stripping is warranted.
McKellar
The ~12.5km² McKellar property only 25km from Marathon and adjacent to highway I17 contains a plethora of historic showings including gold, silver (Old Pic silver mine historical reports over 20oz Ag) a REE bearing diatreme and importantly a >400m mineralised trend, open along strike, containing >4% zinc (Zn) As well as associated anomalies in lead and copper. Previous work by Noranda postulated this anomalous structure was a potential VMS – volcanic massive sulphide.
Marc J. Sale, CEO of FCM commented:
“I am gratified and humbled that the relationship with the First Nations with whom we interact has been recognised in the granting of these Permits. Currently we now have six permits, along with three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Exploration agreement signed with four separate First Nation groups. I would also like to extend my thanks to the staff of the Ontario Ministry of Mines for their diligent work in issuing the permits.
These permits will enable us to conduct focused exploration efforts, with the ultimate aim of further refining delineating drill targets and commencing drilling operations. The mutual respect and collaboration we have fostered with the First Nations is of utmost importance to us, and we are honoured to have made such significant progress across the majority of our portfolio.”
Other currently active Permits include:
- Sunbeam (two Permits), gold focus. Stripping and channel sampling completed across thee zones of interest, results still outstanding for the Sunbeam & Pettigrew areas.
- Zigzag, hard rock lithium/critical metals. Channel sampling results pending
- Esa, predominately gold. Extensive soil sampling campaign across the 4.5km shear pending.
- North Hemlo, gold base / battery metals. Exploration plan for stripping on the Dead Otter Trend in progress.
For further information, please contact:
| James Knowles, Executive Chairman | JamesK@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07488 362641 |
| Marc J Sale, CEO | MarcS@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07711 093532 |
| Ayub Bodi, Executive Director | AyubB@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
| Jonathan Brown | 0207 3742212 | |
| Jason Robertson | 0207 3742212 |
First Class Metals PLC – Background
First Class Metals is focussed on exploration in Ontario, Canada which is considered a top global destination forexploration with a robust and thriving junior mineral exploration sector. Specifically, the Hemlo ‘camp’ is a proven worldclass address for gold /VMS exploration. This geological terrane has significant production, both base / precious metals anda prolific number of exploration projects and numerous prospector’s ‘showings’.
ECR Minerals #ECR – Interview – Back to Victoria
ECR Minerals #ECR – Interview – Back to Victoria. Andrew Scott talks to Nick Tulloch and Adam Jones about the rationale behind the return to drilling activities at Victoria following the exceptional drilling results fromSouthern Cross Gold (ASX: #SXG) at the Sunday Creek project & restart of work by Falcon Metals Ltd (ASX: #FAL) north of Bendigo Adam is speaking live from Kuboid Hill at Creswick
#BRES Blencowe Resources – SPG Test Work Completed
Successful Completion of Orom-Cross Graphite Project SPG Test Phase
Recent testwork has confirmed the quality of Orom-Cross graphite concentrate to generate a high purity SPG product with excellent battery characteristics
Highlights:
· Blencowe has successfully completed critical next-step metallurgical test work with initial stage SPG (“spheronised purified graphite”) upgrading now completed.
· Test work was completed by two separate graphite technical experts to ensure quality control and quality assurance:
o Leading Chinese graphite laboratory at Wuhan University, which realised SPG values of 99.96 wt%C.
o Leading American graphite firm American Energy Technology, which generated SPG with purity values of 99.99 wt%C.
· These results prove that Orom-Cross graphite can upgrade into one of the purist SPG products, which will strengthen offtake negotiations and ultimately deliver more value to the project.
· Additional metallurgical test work proceeding with samples of uncoated SPG and other flake sizes distributed to potential off-takers and battery manufacturers.
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“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, and I am delighted to present these outstanding results above, which indicate that exceptional SPG products will be produced from Orom-Cross. 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.”
Mr Pearce added “We are into one of the most important aspects of our Definitive Feasibility Study, where these tests ultimately prove the quality of the various end products we will produce, and therefore determine offtake interest and contracts. Passing these tests with flying colours is further proof that Orom-Cross is a standout project, and in a world where graphite is becoming increasingly under the spotlight as the supply chain tightens, this is of significant value.”
Blencowe Resources Plc (“Blencowe” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that additional test work on its Orom-Cross graphite project in Northern Uganda has been completed by two leading graphite technical specialist laboratories in both China and United States. Wuhan University in conjunction with Qingdao Jinhui Graphite Co., Ltd in China and American Energy Technologies Company (AETC) in Illinois are both industry experts in the field of upgrading graphite concentrate to uncoated battery-ready SPG product. This work is critical to understanding the commercial potential of the fines concentrate specifically for utilisation as anode materials in the lithium-ion batteries for EVs (electric vehicles) and wider rechargeable battery markets.
In line with this testwork flow sheet, graphite concentrate, which is comprised of robust and thick natural flakes, was first purified then converted into a range of value-added graphite products, with a major focus on the production of spherical uncoated and spherical surface-coated materials intended for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.
Wuhan University in conjunction with Qingdao Jinhui Graphite Co., Ltd (one of the largest SPG producers in China) have completed preliminary assessment of Orom-Cross fine concentrates with the generation and subsequent testing of uncoated SPG products, following the recent 100t pilot test program. The resultant testwork has delivered an uncoated SPG product with a 99.96% purity and outstanding size distribution and characteristics. The samples generated by Wuhan University have been forwarded to battery manufacturers for coating and initial battery testing.
In parallel Blencowe also commissioned AETC to complete an assessment of the SPG potential of the Orom-Cross product. This testing was completed at the AETC facilities in Chicago utilising their Thermal Conversion Process. The value-added downstream processing of concentrate from Orom-Cross has occurred in accordance with the inverted flow sheet practiced by AETC which is unique in the market. Blencowe chose AETC to undertake comparable testwork in part due to its capacity to deliver the uncoated, coated and battery testwork within a non-acid production process. Producing SPG products in a non-acid process would have profound environmental advantages that would boost Orom-Cross’s ESG credentials substantially.
After purifying the material using high temperature (but no acid or alkaline treatment) to a level of 99.99 wt% C, AETC subjected it to spheroidisation and classification. The resultant graphite has a very impressive tap density (read ‘energy density’) of 1.1 g/cm3, with a surface area of <10 m2/g. Both of these indicators highlight an extremely high grade end product.
The uncoated graphite was tested in the industry-standard CR2016 coin cells v. Li/Li+ counter electrode at C/10 charge-discharge rate. The material was seen to deliver very impressive reversible capacity of 367.58 mAh/g which is defined as “near theoretical” electrochemical performance, considering that theoretical capacity is 372 mAh, and hardly any graphite has been able to achieve this historically in practical applications. This indicator alone ranks Orom-Cross graphite as high as any other SPG product elsewhere.
The uncoated material was also surface-coated to form CSPG (“coated spheronised purified graphite”), which is the ultimate form of battery-ready graphite that goes into the anode. Application of surface coating makes batteries that use such graphite safer; additionally, graphite anodes which are composed of surface-coated graphite tend to have lower irreversible capacity loss, a key property linked to management of electrolyte levels inside an operating lithium-ion battery.
The coated material was put into batteries and subjected to short and long-term cycling. The carbon-coated version of this graphite displayed excellent electrochemical performance, with a reversible capacity loss and reversible capacity constituting near theoretical electrochemical behaviour which positions the material from Blencowe into the class of super-premium anode grade graphite for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.
The long-term cycling of this material has retained an excellent stability of performance characteristics as a function of cycle life, having scored a very low 1.39% degradation. Testwork suggests that Orom-Cross graphite can support 1,438 cycles while the United States ABC requirement for EV batteries is 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. Therefore, with nearly 50% additional cycles, the Orom-Cross material is again highlighting its premium quality and is ideally suited for application in the lithium-ion battery anodes.
It is worth noting that the non-spherical portion of Blencowe’s graphite (which accounted for approximately 25.6% of feed into the AETC spheroidising process) generated expanded delaminated graphite and spheroidisation process rejects, which were formulated into the composition of alkaline, lead acid batteries and an electrically conductive can coating. In all instances, the non-spherical portion of Blencowe’s material offered outstanding performance, positioning Blencowe for cost leadership in that there is a strong likelihood that near 100% of all the graphite which enters a downstream processing circuit will find use in value-added applications within batteries.
Blencowe is now proceeding with additional metallurgical test work with additional samples of uncoated SPG and other flake sizes distributed to potential off-takers and battery manufacturers for upgrades to large flake as well as opportunities for utilisation of SPG wastes.
For further information please contact:
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Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn |
www.blencoweresourcesplc.com Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
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Investor Relations Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
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Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733 jonathan.evans@tavira.group
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First Equity Limited Jason Robertson |
Tel: +44(0)20 7330 1833 |
ECR Minerals #ECR – MD Nick Tulloch discusses the Hurricane Project & Cancellation of Share Options
ECR Minerals MD Nick Tulloch discussed the cancellation of the Hurricane project option, how the opportunity was overpriced and way too big for the company. In contrast Kondaparinga is over twice the size, the costs are negligible and it could be a potential replacement for Hurricane.
Looking at the portfolio, Nick believes Lolworth has huge upside, plus there are a number of other opportunities. The team are looking for sensible assets to get a decent return.
As part of the housekeeping process, management share options have been cancelled, Nick explains that they simply don’t make sense at current levels. In summary, the new team now have their feet under the table. Nick says ECR is a small company with a v wide portfolio and a good team. Going forward all decisions will be underscored by value. Seeking the right opportunity at the right price.