Larvotto begins gold, antimony production at Hillgrove

Larvotto Resources has successfully produced its first gold and antimony concentrate at the Hillgrove mine in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for the company and the global mining industry. This achievement puts Hillgrove on track to become Australia's largest antimony producer, a crucial step as global supplies of the essential mineral are increasingly strained. Over the mine's initial eight-year life, it is projected to yield approximately 4,900 tonnes of antimony and 40,500 ounces of gold annually.

To secure a steady market for its products, Larvotto has established binding offtake agreements with two major players in the industry. Antimony will be sold to Wogen Resources, while gold concentrate will be purchased by Glencore. Managing Director Ron Heeks emphasized that these partnerships not only provide Larvotto with a reliable supply chain but also give the company access to global commodity markets.

As Western governments seek new sources of antimony amid global supply constraints, Hillgrove's strategic importance in supplying this critical mineral has grown significantly.

The production phase began with the successful completion of the processing plant, which included the commissioning of the flotation circuit and concentrate filter presses. These upgrades are part of a broader redevelopment program at the mine. Heeks stated that Larvotto is now focused on increasing Hillgrove's production to its full nameplate capacity while planning to extend the project's life beyond the initial eight years.

This strategic move comes as antimony has gained strategic importance due to its utility in industrial and defense applications, and increasing concerns about global supply concentration. With Hillgrove's operations now underway, Larvotto is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for antimony and contribute to the critical minerals market.