Larvotto Resources Initiates Phased Commissioning at Hillgrove Mine, Advancing Toward Australia's Leading Antimony Producer

Phased Commissioning Progress at Hillgrove Processing Facility

Larvotto Resources has announced the initiation of phased commissioning at the Hillgrove Mine’s Minerals Processing Facility, marking a significant step forward operationally. The first phase involves commissioning the crushing circuit, including primary jaw crushing, closed-circuit secondary crushing, and fine ore storage. Ore from the Metz underground mine is being utilized for commissioning, with the first ore crushed and placed in the fine ore bin to feed the grinding circuit. This methodical approach enables the operations team to gain familiarity with the crushing systems while contractors continue work on the wet-end processing components.

Managing Director Ron Heeks described this commissioning start as a defining milestone, reflecting substantial progress over the past year since plant refurbishment began. The announcement commends the execution quality by the operations team and build contractors Interquip, despite supply chain disruptions impacting equipment deliveries. Once the fine ore bin is full, the crushing circuit will continue operating on waste material to produce crushed rock for engineering uses, further enhancing operational familiarity as wet-end plant works proceed.

Ore Extraction and Stockpile Growth at Metz Underground Mine

Underground ore mining at the Metz mine has commenced, with ore stockpiles steadily increasing. Larvotto reported that ore movement from nearby stockpiles to the run-of-mine (ROM) pad started over the weekend prior to the announcement, signaling a shift from initial mining to regular ore feed operations. This development is a crucial step in ramping up toward commercial production at Hillgrove. The availability of underground-mined ore supports both commissioning and future commercial processing.

The simultaneous progression of underground mining and processing commissioning reflects Larvotto’s staged operational ramp-up strategy. By extracting ore underground while commissioning the processing plant, the company aims for an efficient transition into full production. This coordination demonstrates careful planning between mining and processing teams to ensure smooth integration of mining and milling workflows.

Advancing Toward Australia’s Largest Antimony Producer

Hillgrove is poised to become Australia’s largest antimony producer, with expected annual production of approximately 4,900 tonnes of antimony and over 40,000 ounces of gold during the seven-year mine life. Larvotto positions Hillgrove as a major new global antimony source, underscoring its strategic role in western critical minerals supply chains. This output establishes Larvotto as a key supplier addressing domestic and international demand for antimony, a critical mineral used in flame retardants, semiconductors, and various industrial applications.

In addition to antimony, the Hillgrove project includes gold mineralization contributing significant precious metal revenue alongside antimony concentrate. Metallurgical testwork to produce a tungsten concentrate is ongoing, with tungsten mineralization closely associated with existing gold and antimony reserves. Larvotto anticipates providing updates on exploiting the tungsten resource, indicating potential future production of this critical mineral from the same site.

Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals and Government Collaboration

Larvotto continues active engagement with the NSW State Government, Australian Federal Government, and several foreign governments regarding mid-stream refining of its antimony and tungsten concentrates. The company views mid-stream refining as a valuable opportunity for adding value and enhancing its role in supplying antimony and tungsten to domestic and global markets. This government collaboration highlights the strategic significance of antimony and tungsten production for critical minerals supply chain security and domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Positioned within critical minerals supply chains, Larvotto addresses global trends toward supply diversification and reduced dependence on single-source suppliers of essential industrial minerals. Developing Australian antimony and tungsten production supports long-term supply security. Engagement with multiple government levels indicates recognition of the project’s national strategic importance and potential for support or long-term offtake agreements.

Modification 5 Environmental Assessment and Capacity Expansion

Modification 5 (Mod 5) is progressing through the NSW assessment process, seeking approval to increase processing capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 tonnes per annum. The application also facilitates a transition to dry-stack tailings and includes other operational and environmental enhancements. Following public exhibition, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), government agencies, and stakeholders requested clarifications. Larvotto is finalizing responses expected to be submitted by July 2026.

Larvotto considers these stakeholder queries as standard review diligence rather than material issues. The Mod 5 proposal incorporates advanced environmental practices not widely adopted in Australian mining, such as dry-stack tailings and progressive remediation of legacy tailings facilities. These initiatives are expected to yield significant long-term environmental and operational benefits. Successful approvals of previous modifications (Modification 6 and 7) demonstrate the company’s capability to navigate complex permitting within the NSW framework.

Regulatory Progress and Permitting Expertise

The company remains encouraged by Mod 5’s assessment progress and continues constructive collaboration with DPHI and relevant agencies to facilitate timely determination. Its track record with prior modifications instills confidence in managing regulatory processes. Larvotto views ongoing stakeholder inquiries as expected due diligence, maintaining confidence in eventual Mod 5 approval. The staged commissioning during pending regulatory approval reflects a strategy of advancing operations alongside regulatory processes.

The complexity of environmental permitting for a project of Hillgrove’s scale involves multiple modifications and numerous government stakeholders. Larvotto’s advancement amid this landscape, incorporating leading environmental practices, positions it well for approval. The adoption of dry-stack tailings and legacy facility remediation aligns with current environmental standards and regulatory priorities.

Wet-End Plant Systems Commissioning and Production Roadmap

Commissioning of the wet-end processing plant systems is ongoing, with communications, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems nearing completion. The phased commissioning allows operators to familiarize themselves with the crushing circuit while finalizing critical wet-end systems. Further commissioning activities will continue in the coming weeks as Larvotto progresses toward production and optimization. This sequential approach mitigates technical risks by testing major systems step-by-step rather than simultaneously.

The transition from crushing circuit commissioning to wet-end system completion and full production reflects a carefully planned sequence of milestones. Each stage builds on the last, ensuring operational safety and efficiency. Larvotto’s detailed disclosure of commissioning phases underscores a disciplined startup approach prioritizing safe and effective operations over accelerated timelines.

Larvotto’s Diverse Project Portfolio and Development Focus

Beyond Hillgrove, Larvotto Resources manages a portfolio including the Mt Isa copper, gold, and cobalt project near Mt Isa, Queensland, and the Eyre multi-metals and lithium project 30 kilometers east of Norseman, Western Australia. The company’s strategy targets development of Australian sources of critical and strategic minerals. Mt Isa addresses copper and cobalt demand, while Eyre targets multiple metals including lithium to support energy transition and battery metal needs. This diversified portfolio positions Larvotto across various critical mineral supply chain segments.

The board comprises experienced explorers, corporate financiers, ESG specialists, and executives focused on corporate culture, equipping the company to navigate regulatory, environmental, and financial challenges of major mining developments while maintaining strong governance and stakeholder engagement. The ESG expertise aligns with modern expectations for mining operations in developed jurisdictions with complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.

Supply Chain and Equipment Delivery Challenges

Larvotto acknowledged challenges from geopolitical factors affecting equipment deliveries to Hillgrove. Managing Director Ron Heeks noted that despite these issues, the operational team and contractors delivered quality execution advancing plant refurbishment. The mention of the Hormuz conflict’s impact highlights exposure to global supply chain disruptions. This transparency provides context for project timelines and underscores the company’s ability to maintain progress toward commissioning amid external challenges.

Progressing commissioning despite supply chain constraints demonstrates Larvotto’s project execution strength and suggests critical equipment and materials have been secured. This disclosure informs investors monitoring project advancement that equipment availability challenges are easing, supporting the shift from construction to active commissioning phases.