The Orom-Cross Graphite Project, in Kitgum District, is emerging as one of Uganda’s most strategic mineral developments. Developed by Blencowe Resources, the project is expected to commence full operations in 2026 and will run for an estimated 14 years.

The phased production plan of the project positions the mine as a significant contributor to both local and national economic growth. Under Phase 1, the project will produce 5,000 metric tons of graphite concentrate annually.

Output is projected to increase significantly to 100,000 tons by Phase 3, supported by the introduction of a refinery in Phase 2 that will process up to 20 percent of the mined graphite into high-purity, battery-grade products for global markets. The developments signal Uganda’s growing role in the critical minerals value chain, particularly in industries that support the global energy transition.

Financially, the project is anticipated to generate between 1–2 million US Dollars in annual royalties and an additional 2 million US Dollars in surface rights payments. Employment is also expected to rise, with 50 to 200 jobs projected in the early stages of operation.

While these revenues and employment prospects offer transformative potential for Orom East Sub-County and Kitgum District, realising inclusive benefits will require deliberate planning, strengthened institutional capacity, and community empowerment. Without these enablers, local communities risk missing out on the socio-economic opportunities associated with industrial-scale mining.

Enabel, through the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project, will participate in enhancing efforts to build robust governance, financial, and technical capacities within local institutions and communities.

This intervention aligns with Uganda’s Agriculture–Tourism–Mining (ATM) policy, which promotes responsible resource management and equitable development within extractive-industry host communities.

To reinforce local ownership and legitimacy from the onset, Enabel is working closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Kitgum District Local Government. A kick-off meeting held in Kitgum district brought together diverse stakeholders to promote evidence-driven planning and inclusive engagement.

The one-day event convened 54 participants, including political and technical leaders from Kitgum district and Orom East Sub-County, representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, cultural leaders, the host community land association, Consolidated African Resources Limited, the implementing company for the Orom-Cross Graphite Project, civil society organisations, the media, and Enabel’s implementing partner, Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP).

The Orom-Cross Graphite Project presents an opportunity for Kitgum District and for Uganda’s broader ambitions in the mining sector. Its long-term success, however, depends on ensuring that mineral development respects human rights, promotes transparency, strengthens community participation, and protects the environment.

These priorities are consistent with Uganda’s National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights, which emphasises due diligence, community empowerment, accountable governance, and equitable benefit-sharing in extractive industries to drive economic growth and inclusive development.