Blencowe Resources (BRES ) has released results of additional test work confirming that graphite concentrates from the Orom-Cross project are suitable for the manufacture of synthetic industrial diamonds.
The test work was undertaken by American Energy Technology in Chicago and forms part of Blencowe's value-addition programme focused on demonstrating commercially viable, non-China downstream applications for Orom-Cross graphite.
The test work achieved a diamond conversion yield of 53.6wt%, exceeding the typical industry benchmark of approximately 50%.
AETC notes that this threshold is widely regarded as critical in determining whether synthetic diamond production can be undertaken economically outside China, given the highly competitive cost structure of the industry. Conversion yields below this level typically necessitate lower-cost Chinese processing to remain viable.
Many natural graphites, including several deposits across East Africa, are less suitable for synthetic diamond manufacture than Orom-Cross. This is because they comprise thicker, less compressible flake structures, which inhibit efficient diamond formation.
In contrast, the fine, compressible flake characteristics of Orom-Cross graphite proved highly conducive to diamond synthesis, representing a distinctive quality signature of the deposit.
"This work highlights a fundamental characteristic of Orom-Cross graphite: its quality extends beyond battery applications into demanding industrial uses where conversion efficiency and cost competitiveness are critical,” said Cameron Pearce, Blencowe's executive chairman.
“Achieving mono-crystalline diamond formation at conversion yields above industry benchmarks reflects the compressibility and structural integrity of our graphite, which continues to differentiate the project. As further drill results and technical validation are delivered, Orom-Cross continues to mature as a scalable, high-quality graphite development. This progress strengthens the underlying project fundamentals and is directly supporting funding and offtake discussions currently underway, as we advance toward the next resource update."
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The potential production of industrial diamonds provides Orom-Cross with another significant value-adding enhancement opportunity beyond sale of graphite as concentrates. Accordingly, Blencowe will be seeking offtake opportunities in this sector ahead as it continues to drive towards first production. The ongoing confirmation of multiple high-value end markets for product from Orom-Cross strengthens the overall development case and supports Blencowe's ongoing funding and offtake processes. Meanwhile, the company continues with drilling and resource definition across the project, with remaining assay results from the Iyan and Beehive programmes expected to be reported progressively, building toward sequential JORC resource updates. There’s a lot going on.