Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) is pleased to announce that graphite concentrate from its Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda has been used in a rocket component testing programme in the United States (California), with the initial test firing successfully completed and early observations indicating encouraging performance in high-temperature applications.

The Company provided Orom-Cross graphite concentrates to American Energy Technologies Company (“AETC”) who manufactured mouldings designed for use in rocket propulsion nozzles, including defence-related test applications.  These nozzles were developed to evaluate the replacement of a percentage of the synthetic graphite typically used in such components and to assess the suitability of Orom-Cross material in high-temperature environments.

A recent test firing programme was attended by representatives from Pluto Aerospace, Purdue University and various US Government Agencies alongside Blencowe’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Wearing.  The programme successfully completed the planned test runs, and data is now being analysed by the parties involved.  Blencowe expects to provide further updates as additional milestones are reached.

The testing application was conducted with Pluto Aerospace on its hypersonic sub-orbital rocket platform in the initial programme. Further testing is planned and, subject to programme scheduling and technical outcomes, orbital testing is expected in the latter half of 2026.

In parallel, AETC has also been testing graphite-based coatings applied to rocket fin components to evaluate durability under hypersonic conditions and icephobic properties (surfaces designed to repel ice, prevent ice formation, or significantly reduce ice adhesion), with potential applicability across military and civilian aircraft environments.  While the recorded data remains under analysis, initial observational performance has been encouraging, and the Company will update the market as results become available.

Strategic relevance and Next Steps

·      Real-world validation: live firing provides an important proof point beyond laboratory testing

·      Specialty market potential: propulsion nozzle and coating applications may represent another niche, high-value pathway for a portion of Orom-Cross production

·      Military and space programme applications: the more value-enhancing strategic relationships Blencowe and AETC can build within US Government agencies, and associated technology providers, the more likely offtakes and/or funding from this direction

·      Programme progression: further testing is planned/expected, subject to counterparties’ schedules, qualification requirements and programme timing

The Company notes that elements of these programmes involve both government and commercial stakeholders and are subject to strict confidentiality and third-party processes.  Accordingly, Blencowe will provide updates as and when disclosure is permitted and appropriate in line with its regulatory obligations.

Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:

“These latest tests are an encouraging validation step to highlight the importance of high-quality graphite in specialist defence, aerospace and energy applications. We thank AETC for their support in enabling real-world evaluation of Orom-Cross material.

Proof that Orom-Cross product stands up to the most rigorous testing validates both the quality of our products as well as the use of graphite within these applications.

Demonstrating performance in live rocket test conditions with various US Government agencies in attendance showcases Orom-Cross graphite at the highest levels. With further testing phases planned, including orbital testing expected in the latter half of 2026, we believe this supports higher-value offtake pathways beyond standard concentrate sales.  These all help to continuously add more value to our overall Orom-Cross strategy and our commercial model.”

Image 1: Pluto Aerospace hypersonic sub-orbital test vehicle prior to firing (California, USA). 

Image 2: Graphite-based coating trial on fin components (durability and icephobic testing).

Image 3 – Graphite coating on specialist military and aerospace products

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