Larvotto Advances Toward First Antimony Ingot Production at NSW Mine
Larvotto Resources is making significant progress at its Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales, with the company on schedule and within budget for a mid-2026 production start. Underground development is currently underway, positioning the mine to become a key supplier of antimony, a metal gaining strategic importance in Australia.
Strategic Position in Critical Minerals Market
The Federal Government has recently established a Critical Minerals Stockpile (CMS), including antimony as one of the first four fundamental metals. Larvotto notes it is one of only two companies in Australia, alongside ASX-listed Alkane Resources, capable of supplying this stockpile. This places Larvotto in a prime position as global supply chains tighten and demand for secure resources increases.
Project Development and Expansion Plans
Development at Hillgrove is nearing several final milestones, with all major workstreams progressing as planned. The project will initiate a 250,000-tonne-per-year processing facility, followed by a "Modification 5" permit application to more than double capacity to 525,000 tonnes annually. Additionally, Larvotto is investigating the retreatment of its historic tailings dam, which contains material mined before 1980, averaging 1.6g/t gold along with antimony and tungsten. Metallurgical studies are underway to assess reprocessing potential, offering a low-cost opportunity for resource recovery.
Operational and Financial Highlights
The processing plant is undergoing a A$70 million refurbishment, with wet commissioning targeted for August. This build is supported by a substantial funding package, including a second drawdown of US$31.5 million (A$47.5 million) in March from a US$105 million (A$160 million) Nordic Bond. Ron Heeks, Managing Director of Larvotto Resources, stated, "Larvotto will be the next major Western producer of antimony, a critical mineral of increasing strategic importance given tightening global supply dynamics. In addition to antimony, we will be producing gold and tungsten, both at near-record prices."
Resource Growth and Exploration Efforts
Beyond the mine build, Larvotto is actively expanding its high-grade resource base, currently at 8.76 million tonnes grading 4.0 g/t gold and 1.1% antimony. Near-mine exploration continues with one underground and up to three surface rigs operating 24/7 at prospects like Freehold, the Metz Area, and Clarks Gully. With tungsten prices reaching all-time highs of US$3185 (A$4470) per metric tonne unit, the company is also evaluating extraction potential at historic tungsten workings in areas such as Curry’s Block and Damned if I Know (DIIK).
Innovative Technology Implementation
Larvotto has installed an ECORE Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) core scanner, believed to be an Australian first for a mining company. This system provides detailed mineralogical data within 24 hours of core delivery, significantly speeding up discovery and technical decision-making compared to traditional methods that take weeks.
With first production firmly on the horizon, Larvotto is transitioning from developer to producer at a critical time, bolstered by existing grid power amid rising diesel costs. As antimony's strategic value grows, Hillgrove is emerging as a standout project for Australia's future resource security.
