The construction of an Orom-Cross Graphite mining facility in Orom East Sub-county, Kitgum district in Northern Uganda will kick off next year, this according to Vincent Kedi, the Assistant Commissioner of Licensing and Administration in the Minister of Energy has revealed.

Blencowe acquired the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in April 2020 from the Australian Firm, Consolidated African Mineral Resources Co Ltd which was handed a 21-year-long mining license in 2019 by the government.

Government initiated the first phase of the ten installment phases of compensation to the project-affected persons in 2020 with 700 million Shillings disbursed. The second phase of the compensation totaling about 665 million Shillings is expected before the end of this year, while the third phase will be paid in December 2024.

Graphite has many benefits and can be processed and used in lithium-ion batteries, and carbon electrodes among others. Blencowe Resources Limited expects to have the first phase of graphite production by 2025 and requires an initial capital of US$62 Million.