Larvotto Advances Hillgrove Antimony Project with Strong Production Potential
Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV) targets Q2 2026 for first production at its 100%-owned Hillgrove antimony and gold project in New South Wales. Recent metallurgical testwork demonstrated 90% tungsten recovery, a 16X feed grade increase, and simple processing for saleable tungsten concentrate. The project hosts 8.77 million tonnes at 4.0 g/t gold and 1.1% antimony, totaling 7.2 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq). Analysts describe Hillgrove as one of the world’s top ten antimony deposits with near-term Western production potential.
The project benefits from strong strategic antimony demand. Its primary uses include flame retardants, solar panels, and lead-acid batteries. Moreover, antimony is critical for defense applications, including armour-piercing ammunition and precision optics. However, global production remains concentrated in China, Russia, and Tajikistan, making Hillgrove a rare and valuable Western asset.
Production Plans and Market Strategy for Hillgrove Antimony
Larvotto signed a binding offtake agreement with Wogan Resources covering the first seven years of antimony production. The company plans to produce 5,400 metric tons annually, representing roughly 7% of global output. First concentrate shipments will follow Rotterdam pricing, with traders selling to top-paying non-China smelters in Asia or Europe. Currently, Western smelters cannot process significant antimony volumes, reinforcing Hillgrove’s strategic value.
The Hillgrove mine has a long history, with production dating back to 1857 and intermittent modern operations until 2014. Larvotto acquired the project in late 2023, completing initial feasibility studies, resource estimates, and project financing. The company raised $60 million and issued 100 US bonds, demonstrating strong investor confidence. Underground mining has started, with 15 kilometers of development and 12 months of ore ready.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
Hillgrove positions Larvotto as a key Western antimony supplier amid a global supply deficit. Falling production and surging solar and defense demand create a “perfect storm” for antimony pricing. With Western smelters largely inactive, Hillgrove’s output could influence both industrial and strategic mineral markets. Investors should monitor tungsten byproduct potential and long-term off-take arrangements, which add commercial resilience.
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