Larvotto Resources managing director Ron Heeks said: “The results from Clarks Gully have strengthened our understanding of the mineralised system, confirming both the continuity of antimony and gold mineralisation to the north and high-grade zones at depth.”
Larvotto says the drilling and geological data collected have significantly improved its understanding of the controls on mineralisation and reinforced the system’s potential to grow both north and south along strike. Further drilling at Clarks Gully is planned in 2026.
The company currently has four diamond drill rigs operating across the Hillgrove project, with active programs underway at its Metz and Freehold prospects. At Metz, drilling is focused on defining the convergence of the Blacklode and Syndicate structures, testing extensions beneath historic workings and chasing multiple stacked, high-grade zones near existing underground infrastructure.
At Freehold, drilling continues to probe historic workings and extensions to known mineralised structures, with additional testing planned at the company’s Smiths, Freehold East and Swamp Creek prospects.
Meanwhile, Larvotto’s march towards production continues at pace.
Construction of its 525,000-tonne-per-annum processing plant is well advanced, with first gold and antimony pours slated for the second quarter of this year. The build is fully funded through a US$105 (A$158) million senior secured bond and a fresh A$60 million equity raise, locking in the A$140 million capital bill.
The company also recently locked in MACA-Interquip-Mintrex to refurbish and expand the plant and appointed underground mining specialist PYBAR under a four-year development contract.
Hillgrove’s proximity to Armidale, just over an hour by sealed road, gives Larvotto a clear logistical and cost advantage. The regional centre offers an established workforce, accommodation, services and transport links. Meanwhile, existing road access, power and communications infrastructure have helped reduce capital spend, streamline construction and allow mine equipment to roll in quickly as the project moves into production.
With expected annual production of 40,500 ounces of gold, 4878 tonnes of antimony and a scheelite concentrate kicker, Larvotto looks to be positioning Hillgrove as one of the Western world’s rare multi-commodity critical metals producers – just months from first pour.
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