Blencowe Resources has announced further assay results from shallow drilling at its new Beehive deposit in Uganda, reinforcing the continuity of graphite mineralisation. The Beehive and Iyan deposits are major new exploration discoveries from the company’s 2025 drill programme, expected to significantly boost the size and scope of the Orom-Cross graphite project.
Total Graphite Carbon (TGC) is a measure of graphite purity, with higher percentages indicating richer deposits. For instance, grades above 5% TGC are considered strong, and Beehive’s results show several holes exceeding this benchmark. Jorc-compliant refers to mineral resource estimates that meet internationally recognised standards for reporting, ensuring transparency and credibility in the mining industry. The term ‘bulk mineable’ describes deposits suitable for large-scale extraction, meaning the mineralisation is extensive enough for efficient commercial operations.
As part of the Stage 7 drilling programme, Blencowe completed 110 shallow drill holes at Beehive, targeting continuity, thickness, and near-surface graphite mineralisation. The shallow drilling aimed to define near-surface, bulk mineable graphite, with holes reaching depths of about 30 metres. Most holes intersected mineralisation from near surface to end-of-hole, and many ended in mineralisation, signalling potential for further extension below current drilling depths. This aligns with earlier deeper drilling that confirmed mineralisation continuing to about 100 metres.
The drilling was intended to close off the northern extent of the deposit, but results also suggest possible extensions up to 400 metres, especially toward the northern and western ends. Multiple holes delivered 30 to 32 metres of mineralisation from surface, supporting depth continuity and bulk mining potential. Among the batch, 12 holes averaged over 5% TGC and eight holes averaged above 6% TGC, indicating strong in situ grades. All holes were mineralised, with grades consistently higher than the average for other deposits within Orom-Cross.
These additional shallow results confirm a thick graphite system at shallow depths, while previously reported deeper drilling demonstrated mineralisation continuing to 100 metres. The dataset is being assembled for near-surface modelling, with a maiden Beehive Jorc-compliant resource scheduled for the second quarter. Further assay batches are being validated by independent consultants, Minrom, ensuring quality assurance. Results will be reported as batches are cleared, supporting future mineral resource updates and providing clarity on development readiness as Blencowe advances strategic and funding discussions.
Beehive has been defined over approximately 1,200 metres of strike and 480 metres of width, with scope for extensions beyond current drill lines.
Graphite is a critical component in battery manufacturing and other high-tech industries. With global demand rising—especially for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage—secure supply chains are increasingly important. Currently, China dominates graphite production, creating supply chain concerns for Western markets. Deposits like Beehive offer strategic advantages by providing reliable sources outside China, supporting downstream industry needs and longer-term offtake agreements. Blencowe’s access to renewable hydroelectric power further enhances Orom-Cross’s positioning as a sustainable and secure supplier for Western markets.
Blencowe executive chairperson Cameron Pearce notes that Beehive is building momentum, with the latest batch reinforcing continuity at shallow depths and multiple intercepts over 30 metres from surface.
“Following the recent maiden Iyan Jorc mineral resource of 16.9-million tonnes, which increased total Orom-Cross mineral resources by 66% to 43-million tonnes, Beehive remains the next clear growth lever as we progress toward a maiden Beehive mineral resource update this quarter. The continuity and thickness at Beehive are expected to translate into a material increase in overall tonnage, subject to completion of assay flow, modelling and Jorc reporting,” Pearce adds.
With its expanding resource base and sustainable energy access, Orom-Cross is positioned as a key contributor to Western efforts for secure, non-China critical mineral supply chains, supporting both industry pathways and ongoing offtake discussions.
Blencowe’s continued work at Beehive is delivering strong results, with technical validation, high-grade graphite, and substantial resource increases. As global demand for graphite grows and supply chain security becomes paramount, Beehive’s development stands out for its reliability, scale, and strategic importance to Western markets. The company remains committed to transparent reporting and sustainable progress, with further updates anticipated as the resource modelling and validation continue.