Larvotto Resources has kicked off staged commissioning at its Hillgrove Mine processing plant, marking a pivotal step toward becoming Australia’s top antimony producer with promising gold and tungsten prospects.
- Staged commissioning of crushing circuit underway
- Ore from Metz underground mine feeding processing
- Hillgrove set to produce 4,900 tonnes antimony annually
- Modification 5 approval progressing for capacity and environmental upgrades
- Ongoing government engagement on refining and critical minerals supply
Staged Commissioning Begins at Hillgrove Processing Plant
Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) has initiated the staged commissioning of its Minerals Processing Facility at the Hillgrove Mine, a key milestone in restarting operations. The crushing circuit, including primary jaw crushing, secondary closed-circuit screening, and fine ore storage, is now operational with ore mined from the Metz underground workings being processed. This first stage allows the plant to operate on waste rock once the fine ore bin is full, enabling operators to familiarise themselves with the system while wet-end plant works continue.
Hillgrove’s Role in Australia’s Critical Minerals Landscape
Hillgrove is poised to become Australia’s largest antimony producer, forecasting annual output of approximately 4,900 tonnes alongside over 40,000 ounces of gold during its seven-year mine life. Larvotto also highlights the growing potential for tungsten production, with ongoing metallurgical testwork aimed at exploiting this resource closely linked to the existing gold-antimony reserves. The project’s strategic significance is underscored by active discussions with NSW and federal governments, as well as international stakeholders, regarding mid-stream refining options that could add value and strengthen supply chains for these critical minerals.
Modification 5 Approval Advances with Environmental Innovations
The company’s Modification 5 application, seeking to double processing capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 tonnes per annum and introduce dry-stack tailings, is progressing through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s assessment. Larvotto is finalising responses to clarifications raised by regulators and stakeholders, viewing these as standard for a project of this scale. The proposed environmental enhancements, including progressive remediation of legacy tailings, represent leading practices not yet widely adopted in Australian mining. Larvotto’s prior success with Modifications 6 and 7 adds confidence in securing timely approval for Mod 5.
Operational Progress and Future Outlook
Ore stockpiles continue to build following the commencement of underground mining, with recent ore movements to the run-of-mine pad facilitating commissioning activities. Meanwhile, commissioning on the plant’s wet-end; covering communications, electrical, instrumentation, and controls; is nearing completion. Larvotto plans to progressively ramp up production and optimise operations in the coming weeks. The company’s broader portfolio, including the Mt Isa copper-gold-cobalt and Eyre multi-metals projects, complements Hillgrove’s critical minerals focus.
Bottom Line?
Larvotto’s commissioning progress at Hillgrove signals a tangible step toward scaling antimony production, but the timeline for full capacity and regulatory approvals remains a key watchpoint.
Questions in the middle?
- How swiftly will Larvotto transition from commissioning to sustained commercial production?
- What impact will Modification 5’s approval and dry-stack tailings adoption have on operational efficiency and environmental footprint?
- How will Larvotto’s refining discussions with governments shape its role in critical minerals supply chains?