Hillgrove Project Advances on Track to Supply Critical Antimony by Mid-2026

On Track for Mid-2026 Antimony Production

Larvotto Resources Limited (ASX:LRV) is steadily advancing its Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales, with development and refurbishment activities proceeding on time and within the $70 million budget. The company targets first production by mid-2026, aiming to become Australia’s largest antimony producer at a moment when global supply constraints and strategic demand are tightening.

The project’s operational readiness is bolstered by a direct connection to the main power grid near Armidale, eliminating reliance on diesel generation and mitigating fuel supply risks that have disrupted other remote mining operations. Underground development is progressing well, with ore stockpiles being built to support commissioning scheduled for August 2026.

Critical Minerals Stockpile and Strategic Positioning

Antimony’s elevation to a fundamental metal under the Federal Government’s new Critical Minerals Stockpile legislation places Hillgrove in a privileged position. Larvotto is one of only two Australian companies capable of supplying antimony to this stockpile, reflecting the project’s strategic importance amid tightening global markets.

In parallel, Larvotto is exploring value-adding opportunities by considering the construction of a specialist refinery to produce antimony metal rather than concentrate. This move aligns with government and AUKUS agreements to accelerate priority metals supply chains. The recent appointment of The Hon. David Fawcett, a former senator with defence and trade expertise, as a strategic advisor underscores Larvotto’s intent to navigate complex government and international engagement effectively. This appointment complements earlier coverage of Larvotto’s appointment of ex-senator David Fawcett.

Exploration Success Fuels Resource Growth

Ongoing drilling campaigns continue to extend mineralisation at key prospects including Freehold, Metz, and Clarks Gully. Recent results have confirmed high-grade gold, antimony, and tungsten zones, supporting an anticipated update to the Mineral Resource estimate and potential mine life extension. This exploration momentum follows previous reports of high-grade gold and tungsten hits at Freehold and robust mineralisation at Metz, enhancing the project’s multi-commodity appeal.

Larvotto’s adoption of the ECORE LIBS core scanning technology, an Australian mining first, is accelerating geological analysis by delivering rapid mineralogical data within 24 hours of drill core receipt. This innovation is streamlining technical decision-making and supporting metallurgical testwork, particularly for tungsten recovery, where initial results have demonstrated 90% recovery rates and progression to advanced testing stages.

Infrastructure and Workforce Advantages

The Hillgrove Project’s proximity to Armidale and existing infrastructure provides operational advantages uncommon for underground mines. The direct grid power connection reduces operating costs and environmental impacts, while the local skilled workforce offers stability and reduces dependence on fly-in fly-out labour models. Larvotto’s commitment to community engagement is evident through participation in local events and ongoing communication with residents.

Financially, the company has secured the second tranche of its Nordic Bond financing (US$31.5 million), with independent engineering approvals confirming the project’s build progress. This financial backing supports continued development and operational readiness ahead of production commencement.