REG - Blencowe Resources - Rocket Component Testing Programme

Blencowe ResourcesAnnouncement

07/05/2026 07:45

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RNS Number : 3980D  Blencowe Resources PLC  07 May 2026

Date: 07 May 2026

Blencowe Resources Plc

("Blencowe" or the "Company"),

 

Rocket Component Testing Programme Confirms Orom-Cross Graphite Performance

Successful test firing supports higher-value specialty applications; further
programmes planned

 

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

 

For further information please contact:

 

 Blencowe Resources Plc                   www.blencoweresourcesplc.com (http://www.blencoweresourcesplc.com/)

 Sam Quinn (Director)                     Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250

                                          info@blencoweresourcesplc.com (mailto:info@blencoweresourcesplc.com)

 Sasha Sethi (Investor Relations)         Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441

                                          sasha.sethi@blencoweresourcesplc.com
                                          (mailto:sasha.sethi@blencoweresourcesplc.com)
 Tavira Financial (Joint Broker):

 Jonathan Evans                           Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733

                                          jonathan.evans@tavira.group (mailto:jonathan.evans@tavira.group)
 Oak Securities (Joint Broker):

 Calvin Man /Mungo Sheehan / Jerry Keen   Tel: +44 (0)20 3973 3678

 Twitter                                  https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes (https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes)
 LinkedIn                                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/72382491/admin/
                                          (https://www.linkedin.com/company/72382491/admin/)

 

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