Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) has commenced first gold and antimony production at its 100%-owned Hillgrove Mine in New South Wales.
Production follows the completion of an extensive redevelopment and plant enhancement program, which has upgraded the plant to World Best Practice standard.
Hillgrove is forecast to produce 4,900 tonnes of antimony and 40,500 ounces of gold per annum over an initial eight-year mine life. With this milestone, Larvotto is set to become Australia’s second, and largest, antimony producer, with the mine expected to supply roughly 7% of global antimony demand and more than 50% of supply outside China-controlled sources.
As it focuses on growing Hillgrove into a ‘multi-decade’ mining centre via ongoing exploration programs, Larvotto also plans to introduce tungsten concentrate production in the near term to further broaden its critical minerals production profile.
Managing Director Ron Heeks says the commencement of production at Hillgrove is an ‘outstanding’ achievement by the company and a ‘milestone’ for Australia’s critical minerals industry.
“In less than three years, we have taken Hillgrove from acquisition, resource and reserve assessment, Prefeasibility Study, Definitive Feasibility Study, funding, and construction to production, establishing Larvotto as Australia’s largest antimony producer and a globally significant new source of this essential critical mineral,” Heeks says.
Antimony is recognised as a critical mineral in Australia, the US, European Union, UK, Japan, and New Zealand, and is prioritised under Australia’s $1.2 billion Critical Mineral Reserve Strategy. It serves vital applications across renewable energy, flame retardants, electronics, AI, and defence.
The strategic importance of the asset has led to high-level discussions between Larvotto, governments, and industry stakeholders across Australia, the US, Taiwan, and Japan.
“Hillgrove has placed Larvotto on the global critical minerals stage, leading to strengthening relationships with governments and industry stakeholders,” Heeks says.
Larvotto’s operational team for the project has grown to more than 180 people, with approximately 95% of the Hillgrove operations workforce based in the New England region.
Larvotto Resources is advancing its portfolio of mineral projects in New South Wales and across Australia.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Larvotto Resources
