Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES), the natural resources company advancing the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda, has announced exceptional supercapacitor performance results from testing conducted with offtake partner YUNASKO and US graphite specialist American Energy Technologies (AETC). Large 5Ah cells incorporating Orom-Cross graphite achieved power capability approaching 2 kW/kg and discharge rates tested up to 70C. Building on these results, new prototype cells are being prepared for independent evaluation at NASA laboratories, with testing anticipated to commence from December 2026, a development the company says could accelerate acceptance of the technology across aerospace and defence markets.

Key Points

  • Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) advances Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda
  • 5Ah supercapacitor cells achieved power capability approaching 2 kW/kg and discharge rates up to 70C during testing with YUNASKO and AETC
  • Independent NASA laboratory testing of new prototype cells expected to begin from December 2026
  • Investors will be watching for NASA verification results and any progression towards binding commercial agreements in aerospace and defence markets

Orom-Cross Graphite Achieves 2 kW/kg Power Capability in YUNASKO Supercapacitor Cells

The testing programme involved large 5Ah supercapacitor cells developed with AETC and YUNASKO, incorporating Orom-Cross graphite in both the anode and cathode. The cells demonstrated excellent formation cycling over more than 130 cycles at a current of 10 amperes. Ragone testing confirmed power capability approaching 2 kW/kg, while YUNASKO successfully tested discharge rates of up to 70C. Supercapacitors are designed to deliver large amounts of energy rapidly, making them particularly suited to applications demanding high power output and reliable performance under extreme conditions, including specialist military and aerospace systems where conventional battery technologies may be unable to meet requirements.

NASA Independent Testing Programme Scheduled from December 2026 for Aerospace and Defence Validation

Following the successful YUNASKO and AETC results, Blencowe and its technical partners are preparing additional prototype supercapacitor cells for independent performance evaluation at NASA laboratories. Entry into the NASA testing schedule is anticipated from December 2026. The company states that the significance of this programme extends beyond potential NASA applications, as independent verification through NASA laboratories is expected to provide a credible technical reference supporting broader evaluation across US defence and international aerospace markets. Successful results could accelerate commercial development of specialist high-power applications across the wider defence and aerospace supply chains.

YUNASKO Non-Binding MOU and Blencowe's Strategy to Target Premium Graphite Markets

YUNASKO is an existing offtake partner of Blencowe, with a five-year non-binding memorandum of understanding covering an initial 500 tonnes per annum of purified medium-flake graphite. Blencowe has also secured non-binding offtake coverage exceeding its planned Phase 1 production of 20,000 tonnes per annum. The company's strategy targets specialist graphite markets capable of commanding premium pricing, including battery technologies, hypersonic rocket applications, anti-radar coatings, and now high-performance supercapacitors, alongside conventional concentrate sales. Investors may note that existing agreements remain non-binding, and commercial conversion will depend on successful project development and technical validation outcomes.

Orom-Cross Project Underpins Blencowe's High-Value Graphite Ambitions in Uganda

The Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda holds a maiden JORC Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 64.03 million tonnes at 6.04% Total Graphite Content. A 21-year mining licence was issued by the Ugandan Government in 2019. The deposit is described as a large, shallow open-pittable resource with a low strip ratio and free-dig operations, which the company states should support lower operating and capital costs. The project contains a high component of larger, more valuable graphite flakes, a characteristic the company says underpins the performance demonstrated across advanced testing programmes including supercapacitors, batteries, and hypersonic applications.