London-listed Blencowe Resources has secured full Mineral Services Partnership (MSP) accreditation for its Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda.
The MSP, an international initiative supported by 14 countries and the EU, fosters public and private investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains worldwide.
Blencowe states that this accreditation provides significant international exposure, boosts the project’s credibility with Tier 1 offtakers, and opens new funding opportunities.
“This milestone further solidifies the Orom-Cross graphite project’s status as a leading global graphite project, positioning it for first production,” the company notes.
Following a series of successful meetings between Blencowe and senior officials in Seoul, South Korea, Orom-Cross was nominated for MSP accreditation, which received unanimous approval at the most recent MSP Forum. South Korea, which assumed MSP chairmanship in June, played a key role in securing this achievement.
The MSP includes major economies like the US, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Australia, and the European Commission. It aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains vital to the global clean energy transition.
Blencowe highlights that MSP-accredited projects benefit from collaboration between member nations and receive tangible support.
Orom-Cross is distinguished as one of the largest estimated graphite deposits globally, with several competitive advantages such as low operating costs, minimal capital requirements, and high-quality graphite products, including battery-ready 99.95% spheronised purified graphite (SPG).
These qualities align with the MSP’s mission to secure high-quality, long-life graphite supplies outside China, essential for meeting growing demand for lithium-ion batteries.
Blencowe’s strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials further strengthen Orom-Cross’s MSP compliance.
The company’s strategy to build a downstream purification facility in Uganda, upgrading graphite concentrate to battery-ready SPG, was crucial in achieving this certification. This facility would be one of the few outside China producing 99.95% purified graphite.
While the full benefits of MSP accreditation are still being explored, Blencowe confirms it immediately elevates Orom-Cross’s profile within all 14 MSP member countries and their networks.
The company will now collaborate with MSP members, particularly the South Korean government, to explore new funding sources, offtake agreements, and other opportunities to advance the project.
“Achieving MSP accreditation is a major milestone for Blencowe, distinguishing Orom-Cross as one of the few top-tier critical minerals projects worldwide with this rare status.
We are honoured by this recognition and look forward to unlocking further development opportunities,” says Blencowe Executive Chairperson Cameron Pearce.
“The accreditation not only enhances the project’s credibility but aligns it with the MSP’s goal of securing responsible mineral supply chains, boosting Orom-Cross’s profile across all 14 member nations,” adds Jangada Mines Executive Chairperson Brian McMaster.
