Hillgrove Project Hosts 4,774 Tonnes of WO3 in Initial Tungsten Resource

A New Chapter for Hillgrove

Larvotto Resources Limited (ASX: LRV) has revealed an initial tungsten mineral resource estimate at its Hillgrove Antimony and Gold Project in New South Wales, marking a strategic expansion of the project's value proposition. The company reported a total of 4,774 tonnes of tungsten trioxide (WO3) contained within 8.77 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.05% WO3. This resource sits alongside the well-established gold and antimony mineralisation that has historically defined Hillgrove.

While tungsten has been mined sporadically as a by-product at Hillgrove, it was never formally estimated or factored into previous feasibility studies. Larvotto’s recent Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) incorporated tungsten resource modelling for the first time, highlighting its potential as a viable by-product amid a significant rise in tungsten prices, now around USD$48,000 per tonne.

Key Deposits and Resource Highlights

The tungsten mineralisation is primarily hosted in the mineral scheelite and is spatially associated with gold and antimony zones, particularly at the Brackins Spur and Clarks Gully deposits. Brackins Spur contains high-yield tungsten zones with 40,000 tonnes at 1.6% WO3, equating to 627 tonnes of contained WO3, while Clarks Gully hosts 125,000 tonnes at 0.17% WO3, or 213 tonnes of WO3. These zones demonstrate continuity and tenor sufficient to support potential tungsten recovery.

Importantly, the existing Hillgrove processing plant is already equipped with a tungsten gravity circuit, positioning Larvotto to integrate tungsten extraction without significant additional capital expenditure. This infrastructure advantage, combined with the elevated tungsten price environment, enhances the economic prospects of the project.

Exploration and Metallurgical Outlook

Larvotto’s Managing Director, Ron Heeks, emphasised the untapped tungsten opportunity at Hillgrove, noting that recent drilling and historic data analysis have delineated tungsten-rich mineralisation that had been underexplored. The company has initiated advanced logging techniques, including ultraviolet light fluorescence to identify scheelite in drill samples, improving the accuracy of tungsten resource definition.

While tungsten was included in the recent DFS resource modelling, it was not yet factored into the economic evaluation, which focused on gold and antimony. Larvotto plans to prioritise detailed metallurgical studies and economic assessments to evaluate tungsten recovery as a by-product. Additionally, the company is exploring tailings retreatment options that could further enhance resource utilisation and revenue.

Strategic Implications and Market Context

Tungsten is a critical metal with diverse industrial applications, including cutting tools, superalloys, and wear-resistant coatings. Its high melting point and durability make it indispensable in manufacturing and technology sectors. The Hillgrove resource adds a strategic metal to Larvotto’s portfolio, complementing its gold and antimony assets and aligning with global supply chain interests in critical minerals.

The announcement signals Larvotto’s intent to leverage its existing infrastructure and geological knowledge to unlock additional value. Given the historical lack of focus on tungsten at Hillgrove, the new resource estimate opens avenues for resource expansion and operational diversification.