Larvotto Resources has taken a step toward becoming a near-term copper producer in Queensland, exercising its option to explore, develop, and mine the historical Blockade Copper Mine.
The decision follows the successful completion of an eight-hole, 1,330-metre due diligence reverse circulation (RC) drilling program. The campaign independently validated historical data and confirmed broad, continuous copper mineralisation directly beneath the legacy open pit.
Standout intersections from the program included a significant 31m at 1.16 per cent copper from 63m, which featured a higher-grade zone of 8m at 1.86 per cent copper from 78m.
Larvotto noted that the mineralisation remains open both down-dip and down-plunge, indicating substantial potential for further resource expansion.
Located approximately 41 kilometres east-northeast of Mount Isa, the Blockade asset sits on a granted mining lease, ML90027, covering 152.7 hectares. Because it is entirely surrounded by Larvotto’s existing Mt Isa tenements, the company plans to integrate the mine as a cornerstone development for a regional ‘hub-and-spoke’ production system.
Larvotto Managing Director Ron Heeks said: “Blockade is a cornerstone development for our wider Mt Isa copper strategy; a granted mining lease with a history of production, high-grade mineralisation confirmed to be open along strike and down dip, sitting squarely within our existing tenure.”
He noted the company’s proven track record of rapidly advancing projects, such as its Hillgrove operation, and expressed confidence in replicating that success at Blockade.
Under the terms of the deal with Kilo Copper Pty Ltd (KCPL), Larvotto will issue AU$400,000 worth of ordinary shares to secure the exclusive mineral rights.
The company also holds a separate option to purchase 100 per cent of the mining lease outright for AU$1 million in cash or shares, with deferred production considerations capped at AU$10 million.
Larvotto will now shift its focus to resource definition and step-out drilling, slated to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
The upcoming works aim to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate, kickstart scoping studies, and engage with the Queensland government on regional infrastructure integration.
