Larvotto Starts Production at Hillgrove, Becomes Australia’s Largest Antimony Producer

Hillgrove Mine Starts Delivering Critical Minerals

Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) has officially commenced production at its 100%-owned Hillgrove Mine in New South Wales, signalling a new chapter for Australia’s critical minerals sector. The mine, which has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment and plant upgrade, is expected to produce approximately 4,900 tonnes of antimony and 40,500 ounces of gold annually over an initial eight-year life.

This launch positions Larvotto as Australia’s largest antimony producer, contributing over 50% of non-China controlled global supply and roughly 7% of total global antimony demand. Given China’s recent export restrictions on antimony in 2024, Hillgrove’s emergence as a Western source is strategically significant, addressing a critical supply gap in global markets.

Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Constraints

Antimony’s classification as a critical mineral by Australia, the US, EU, UK, Japan, and New Zealand underscores its rising geopolitical and industrial importance. Its applications span renewable energy technologies, flame retardants, electronics, artificial intelligence, and defence systems. Hillgrove’s production arrives at a moment when securing reliable, ethical supply chains for such minerals has become a priority for governments worldwide.

Larvotto’s Managing Director Ron Heeks highlighted the mine’s global relevance, noting the company’s recent high-level discussions with governments in Australia, the US, Taiwan, and Japan. These talks reflect Hillgrove’s role not just as a mining operation but as a strategic asset in the international critical minerals landscape.

Broadening the Critical Minerals Footprint

Beyond antimony and gold, Larvotto plans to introduce tungsten concentrate production in the near term, further diversifying its critical minerals portfolio. This move aligns with the company’s ambition to evolve Hillgrove into a multi-decade mining hub, supported by ongoing exploration programs across the wider project area.

The company has expanded its operational team to over 180 employees, with approximately 95% based locally in the New England region. This local workforce commitment not only supports regional employment but also fosters long-term economic benefits for the surrounding communities.

Larvotto’s Growing Portfolio and Market Position

Hillgrove’s production milestone comes amid Larvotto’s broader push to consolidate its position in critical and base metals. The company is advancing other projects, including the Mt Isa copper, gold, and cobalt project in Queensland and the Eyre multi-metals and lithium project in Western Australia. These assets complement Hillgrove’s output and underscore Larvotto’s strategy to build a diversified critical minerals and metals portfolio.

Given the recent commissioning progress and strategic discussions, Larvotto is poised to strengthen its influence in the critical minerals supply chain, with potential implications for global markets increasingly wary of concentrated supply sources.