Larvotto jags more NSW antimony as metal takes centre stage in Canberra

Fresh assay results from Larvotto Resources’ Hillgrove project in New South Wales have again highlighted the scale of the antimony and gold-rich system. Diamond drilling at the Blacklode prospect delivered broad, consistent zones of high-grade mineralisation as part of the company’s Metz mining centre.

Standout intercepts included 6 metres grading 8.5 grams per tonne (g/t) gold equivalent from 92m, with 3.8m of that interval running at 12.27g/t gold equivalent. Another hole delivered 16m at 5.43g/t gold equivalent from 294m, including a higher-grade 4.6m section going at 14.22g/t gold equivalent from 299.8m.

The drilling also returned bonus tungsten, with grades of up to 1.8 per cent tungsten trioxide over a 0.4m interval, while other holes contained shorter intercepts grading between 0.39 per cent and 0.93 per cent tungsten trioxide.

The timing of these latest results could not be sweeter, landing just as the Albanese government announced it intends to move antimony, gallium and rare earth elements to top-priority under a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. The upgraded status appears to reflect the metals’ growing importance in both defence and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Crucially for Larvotto, it believes the policy shift could accelerate Hillgrove’s final mine approvals from the NSW state government, alongside funding discussions and downstream engagement as the project approaches production.

Under the strategy, the Federal Government will secure rights to critical minerals produced in Australia and on-sell those rights to meet domestic and allied demand. In the first instance, $1 billion will be drawn from the expanded $5 billion Critical Minerals Facility to provide loans and equity support for projects, with an additional $185 million allocated to selective stockpiling and implementation costs.

The Federal Government’s move reflects the growing strategic importance of antimony, gallium and rare earths in modern defence systems, with all three now considered essential to weapons, surveillance and national security technologies. 

Rare earth elements are critical components in fighter jets, guided missiles and precision weapons, while gallium compounds underpin radar systems and missile defence technologies. 

Antimony is used to harden lead in ammunition, particularly armour-piercing rounds, underscoring its importance beyond traditional industrial uses. At the same time, all three minerals remain vital inputs for renewable energy technologies and high-tech manufacturing, reinforcing the dual drivers of defence and decarbonisation behind Canberra’s decision.

The details are still being thrashed out, but the government is understood to be leaning towards a model put forward by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) and 10 rare earths companies, including those backed by iron ore billionaires Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest.

Managing director Ron Heeks said: “These results continue to strengthen our confidence in the scale and continuity of mineralisation across the system. The latest results are particularly encouraging, confirming high-grade mineralisation within a gap in the current model. This confirms continuity of unmodelled mineralised splays.”

Heeks also welcomed the Federal Government’s initiative to support domestic production of critical minerals, including securing a reliable supply of antimony for Australia and its allied partners. He added: “The decision by Canberra to prioritise antimony provides clear validation of the strategic importance of the Hillgrove project, a position we have consistently communicated to both State and Federal representatives since acquiring the project”

Larvotto currently has four diamond drill rigs operating across the Metz and Freehold areas as part of its near-mine and regional exploration strategy. Drilling at Metz is focused on defining the convergence of the Blacklode and Syndicate structures, associated mineralisation and extensions beneath historic workings.

The Blacklode structure lies about three kilometres west of the company’s main operational base and forms part of a complex network of shear-hosted lodes that historically delivered exceptionally rich ore. Recent drilling has homed in on Blacklode’s western flank, where the structure links with the Syndicate and Midas Gully splays — an area that has seen little modern exploration.

Larvotto plans to incorporate the latest results into an upcoming resource and reserve upgrade for Hillgrove, where drilling is now running at full pace. With antimony now elevated as a strategic defence and clean-energy mineral, the company says momentum is building across both regulatory and commercial fronts.

With forecast annual production of 40,500 ounces of gold, 4878 tonnes of antimony and a scheelite concentrate by-product, Hillgrove is shaping up as one of the Western world’s largest antimony producers — and one now aligned directly with Australia’s evolving strategic priorities. 

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