Larvotto Resources Revitalizes Hillgrove Antimony Project Amid Rising Commodity Prices
In a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of antimony and gold, Larvotto Resources has acquired the Hillgrove project in New South Wales, Australia, for a mere $8 million. This acquisition, finalized in December 2023, positions the company to capitalize on a significant uptick in antimony prices, which have nearly doubled over the past year, alongside record highs in gold prices. With the Hillgrove site housing Australia’s largest antimony resource and ranking eighth globally, Larvotto is gearing up for a production restart slated for 2026.
Strategic Exploration Initiatives
Larvotto Resources is employing innovative exploration techniques to maximize the potential of the Hillgrove project. The company recently conducted an Induced Polarization (IP) survey at the Freehold prospect, a critical area within the Hillgrove mineral field. Engaging the expertise of Fender Geophysics, Larvotto executed a gradient-array IP and resistivity survey over a 16.5-hectare area, utilizing 396 electrode locations along six 650-meter lines spaced 50 meters apart. This meticulous setup, which included adjustments for deeper probing, aims to refine future exploration efforts.
The Freehold prospect is particularly intriguing due to its geological composition. The area is hosted in metasediments, and the survey’s objective was to determine whether the host rocks influence geophysical signatures. Additionally, the survey sought to map extensions of sulphide-rich, silica-altered structures, which are often associated with mineralization.
Promising Survey Results
The results from the Freehold survey have been promising, revealing a strong correlation with historic mining activities in the area. Notably, standout anomalies were identified, including a significant resistivity high located 350 meters east of the old mine workings, which has yet to be drilled. Another smaller anomaly was found southwest of the old mine, both of which align with the trend of historic surface workings.
These resistivity highs are indicative of potential silicification, a hallmark of antimony-gold zones across the Hillgrove region. The chargeability data also highlighted the sulphide aspect of the mineralization, suggesting that the IP/resistivity index could serve as a cost-effective tool for identifying new targets.
Expanding Exploration Efforts
With these encouraging findings, Larvotto has initiated exploratory drilling at the Freehold prospect to further investigate the geophysical responses in conjunction with historical mining and exploration data. Ron Heeks, managing director of Larvotto Resources, emphasized the significance of the Freehold survey, stating, “The excellent correlation between the resistivity highs along strike of known and partially mined mineralization at Freehold is clear. This area has historic workings but has only ever seen a few drill holes put into it.”
The Hillgrove mineral field is dotted with over 200 old mines, and estimates suggest an exploration target of 670,000 to 1.08 million ounces of gold equivalent at grades ranging from 7.4 to 9.46 grams per tonne. The application of relatively simple and inexpensive geophysical methods could unlock district-scale potential for the broader project area.
Future Plans and Financial Backing
Larvotto Resources is not resting on its laurels. The company plans to expand its gradient-array surveys to other priority areas, such as Metz, and may incorporate dipole-dipole IP for three-dimensional modeling to better assess target depths. This proactive approach is bolstered by a recent financial boost; Larvotto announced it received a $388,662 R&D Tax Incentive rebate from the government, recognizing its metallurgical research and development efforts at Hillgrove.
The focus of this R&D has been on developing viable recovery pathways for gold and antimony from both in-situ ore and legacy tailings in its TSF1 facility. Preliminary testwork indicates that tailings retreatment is technically feasible, which could enhance metal output while also contributing to environmental rehabilitation by reducing the footprint of historic waste storage.
Economic Context and Market Demand
The timing of Larvotto’s initiatives is particularly fortuitous. As global demand for antimony surges-driven by its applications in batteries, flame retardants, and other critical technologies-the Hillgrove project is poised to become a key player in the Western supply chain. With production expected to commence in 2026, Larvotto aims to position Hillgrove as Australia’s largest producer of antimony, potentially supplying around 7% of global antimony requirements at a time when supply constraints are becoming increasingly evident outside of China.
Conclusion
Larvotto Resources is strategically revitalizing the Hillgrove antimony project, leveraging innovative exploration techniques and favorable market conditions. With a robust exploration plan and financial backing, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for antimony and gold. As Larvotto continues to explore and develop its assets, it may not only enhance its own portfolio but also contribute significantly to the broader landscape of critical mineral supply in Australia and beyond. The unfolding story of Hillgrove is one to watch as it develops into a cornerstone of Larvotto’s ambitious plans for the future.
