Larvotto Delivers First Ore at Hillgrove Ahead of August Commissioning

First Ore Marks Critical Milestone at Hillgrove

Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) has successfully delivered the first development ore from its Metz underground mine to surface stockpiles at the Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales. This milestone signals a major step forward as the company prepares to commission the refurbished processing plant in August 2026, keeping underground operations and refurbishment activities on track and within budget.

Underground mining contractor PYBAR has made solid progress, advancing 170 metres of drives and rehabilitating 1.9 kilometres, while installing 20,000 rock bolts to ready the mine for full production. Notably, vertical raise boring for a new ventilation shaft has commenced ahead of schedule, underpinning operational safety and efficiency.

Production Targets Reflect Strong Output Potential

The Hillgrove project is forecast to yield an average of 85,710 ounces gold equivalent (AuEq) per annum over its eight-year life-of-mine, including approximately 40,556 ounces of gold and 4,878 tonnes of antimony annually. Early years are expected to outperform this average, with the first five years targeting 92,112 ounces AuEq per annum. Larvotto confirms that these production targets remain consistent with assumptions outlined in its May 2025 feasibility study, with no material changes.

Managing Director Ron Heeks highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating the milestone brings Hillgrove closer to becoming Australia’s largest antimony producer, a critical metal in global supply chains. The company’s focus on delivering critical minerals aligns with growing strategic demand, particularly for antimony, which has been underscored in recent government initiatives and stockpiling efforts.

Plant Refurbishment and Underground Development Progress

Refurbishment of the process plant is progressing steadily, maintaining the timeline for commissioning activities scheduled for August 2026. The combined underground and surface works reflect a well-coordinated approach to restarting production, with staffing levels ramping up accordingly.

Larvotto’s underground operations at Metz are expected to provide the bulk of ore feed during the initial 18 months of production. The company’s ongoing efforts to extend high-grade mineralisation at Metz, including recent diamond drilling results, support the project’s resource base and production outlook. These developments complement the company’s broader exploration successes, such as the high-grade gold-antimony-tungsten mineralisation identified at Curry’s Block, which adds strategic value given tungsten’s critical mineral status and record prices high-grade gold-antimony-tungsten mineralisation. Furthermore, recent expansions of the Midas Gully lode at Metz reinforce the underground resource potential underpinning Hillgrove’s production plans Midas Gully lode extends.

As Larvotto advances its critical minerals portfolio, including projects in Mt Isa and Eyre, the Hillgrove milestone provides tangible evidence of its capacity to translate exploration success into operational reality.