Larvotto Resources Ltd. has delivered its first development ore from the Metze underground mine to surface stockpiles at the Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales.
The milestone signals that the project is on track to become Australia’s largest antimony producer. The delivery comes ahead of commissioning, with underground operations and plant refurbishment activities continuing on time and budget.
Larvotto Managing Director Ron Heeks said: “The first ore delivery to stockpile is another major milestone in bringing Hillgrove back into production to help meet world demand for this critical metal.
“With the plant refurbishment progressing well and staffing increasing nearly daily, we are looking forward to delivering on becoming not only Australia’s next critical mineral producer, but Australia’s largest antimony producer.”
Mining contractor PYBAR has been instrumental in the delivery, rehabilitating 1.9 kilometres of drives and advancing 17 metres into the Metz underground, which will serve as the primary ore source for the project’s first 18 months.
Technical preparations have been extensive, with 20,000 rock bolts already installed and vertical raise boring for a new ventilation shaft commencing ahead of schedule.
The Hillgrove project is expected to be a significant contributor to the regional economy and the national critical minerals strategy.
Over its initial eight-year mine life, the site is forecast to produce an average of 4,878 tonnes of antimony and over 40,000 ounces of gold annually.
Production is expected to peak in the first five years, with antimony output reaching nearly 5,700 tonnes per year.
As the global appetite for technology metals grows, the Hillgrove project is positioned to provide a domestic supply chain for antimony.
The process plant refurbishment works continue to advance on schedule, ahead of planned commissioning activities in August.
