Underground Development Start Puts Hillgrove Production Restart in Sight
Larvotto Resources has initiated underground development at its Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project, marking a pivotal step toward resuming production with a comprehensive four-year plan.
- PYBAR Mining Services begins underground works at Hillgrove
- 20km development planned over initial four years
- Focus on Metz zone progressing to Garibaldi
- Over 150 personnel now on site supporting operations
- Project advancement signals imminent production restart
Underground Development Commences
Larvotto Resources Limited (ASX – LRV) has officially commenced underground development activities at its 100%-owned Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales. The work is being carried out by PYBAR Mining Services Pty Ltd, which has mobilised equipment and personnel to site to begin a substantial underground expansion program.
This development phase is a critical milestone for Larvotto, as it represents one of the final steps required to bring the Hillgrove mine back into production. The program includes decline and lateral development, rehabilitation, ground support installation, and haulage, with initial focus on the Metz zone before progressing to the Garibaldi area.
A Four-Year, 20km Underground Plan
The underground development contract with PYBAR outlines an ambitious plan spanning approximately 20 kilometres of underground workings over an initial four-year term. This is in addition to the already significant underground infrastructure and ore developed at the site, which is ready for stoping and processing.
PYBAR is providing a full-service solution, including equipment, workforce, and statutory supervision under its established safety and health management system. Larvotto now has over 70 employees on site, supported by 80 third-party contractors, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the operation.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
Managing Director Ron Heeks highlighted the significance of this development phase, noting that it follows a busy 2025 filled with financial, technical, and project milestones. The company’s focus is now firmly on exploration and site development to increase resources and ensure a smooth transition back into production in the coming year.
Larvotto’s broader portfolio includes other promising projects such as the Mt Isa copper, gold, and cobalt project in Queensland and the Eyre multi-metals and lithium project in Western Australia, but the Hillgrove project remains the immediate priority given its advanced stage.
With underground development underway and a clear execution plan, Larvotto is positioning itself to capitalize on growing demand for antimony and gold, commodities critical to various industrial and technological applications.
Bottom Line?
As underground works ramp up, all eyes will be on Larvotto’s ability to translate development progress into a timely production restart.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected timelines for ore production and processing ramp-up?
- How will ongoing exploration impact resource estimates and project economics?
- What are the projected capital and operating costs associated with the underground development?
