Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV) has delivered a major boost to its Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales after new drilling at the Clarks Gully prospect confirmed high-grade mineralisation extending both at depth and along strike.
Larvotto Resources’ Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales, where near-mine drilling has confirmed high-grade mineralisation at Clarks Gully. (Source: mining-technology)
The results reinforce Hillgrove’s status as one of Australia’s most advanced emerging antimony-gold assets, with multiple near-mine targets now shaping up as potential contributors to future production and resource upgrades.
The latest drilling also arrives as Larvotto ramps up underground development at Hillgrove, placing the company firmly on track for a return to mining in 2026.
High-grade intercepts confirm growth potential
The Clarks Gully drilling program focused on testing geophysical targets and extensions of known mineralisation near existing underground infrastructure.
Diamond drilling at the Clarks Gully prospect has intersected high-grade gold and antimony, confirming the presence of new mineralised lodes near existing infrastructure. (Source: Australian Mining)
Two diamond drill holes returned standout intercepts, including:
- 6.4 metres at 12.92g/t gold equivalent (AuEq) from 208m, including
4.1 metres at 19.76g/t AuEq from 208m
- 3.6 metres at 8.74g/t AuEq from 245.6m
One hole successfully tested an untried resistivity anomaly, producing grades that exceeded those currently modelled in the company’s geological framework.
Another hole intersected what Larvotto believes could be a new parallel lode in the footwall of the main Clarks Gully structure, opening up further near-mine upside.
Managing director Ron Heeks said the results were a strong validation of the company’s targeting approach.
“The near-mine exploration program has given us a much clearer understanding of the controls on mineralisation and the potential for resource growth at Clarks Gully.”
Strategic importance of Clarks Gully
Clarks Gully sits within the broader Hillgrove project, which already hosts established underground workings and processing infrastructure.
The prospect’s proximity to existing declines and development means any new resources identified could be incorporated into mine plans quickly and at relatively low capital cost.
This is particularly important as global demand for antimony, a critical metal used in flame retardants, defence, solar panels and battery technologies, continues to tighten. China controls more than 80 per cent of global antimony supply, making Western sources strategically valuable.
Gold adds a second revenue stream, improving project economics and lowering risk.
Four rigs drilling across Hillgrove
Larvotto is now running four diamond drill rigs across its key prospects at Hillgrove, with active programs at Metz and Freehold alongside Clarks Gully.
At Metz, drilling is focused on:
- The convergence of the Blacklode and Syndicate structures
- Extensions beneath historic workings
- Multiple stacked high-grade zones near existing underground infrastructure
Recent results have confirmed strong continuity of mineralisation, strengthening the case for resource upgrades.
At Freehold, drilling is targeting historic mine workings and potential extensions to known lodes, with additional programs planned at Smiths, Freehold East and Swamp Creek.
The company has flagged further drilling at Clarks Gully in 2026 to follow up on the newly identified lodes.
Underground development now underway
In a major operational milestone, Larvotto has now commenced underground development at Hillgrove through mining contractor PYBAR Mining Services.
Work has begun at the Metz Zone portal, with development set to progress toward Garibaldi.
The four-year underground contract includes:
- Decline and lateral excavation
- Rehabilitation and ground support
- Haulage and ore access development
The expansion will add approximately 20 kilometres of underground workings, on top of substantial existing infrastructure that already hosts ore ready for stoping.
Heeks said the move marked the final step before restarting production.
“Having PYBAR on-site and underground development underway is one of the final requirements to bring Hillgrove back into production.”
Hillgrove moving toward production
Larvotto’s 525,000-tonne-per-annum processing plant is nearing completion, with first gold and antimony pours expected in the second quarter of 2026.
The project is fully funded through a combination of:
- US$105 million senior secured bond
- A$60 million equity raise
Hillgrove’s location near Armidale provides key logistical advantages, including sealed road access, power, workforce availability and low transport costs.
Once in production, Hillgrove is expected to deliver:
- 40,500 ounces of gold per year
- 4,878 tonnes of antimony per year
- Additional tungsten credits from scheelite
Also Read: St George Mining Discovers High-Grade Niobium at Araxá
Coltico outlook
The Clarks Gully results reinforce Larvotto’s strategy of building value through near-mine drilling while advancing toward production.
With underground development now underway and multiple high-grade zones being defined, Hillgrove is shaping up as one of Australia’s most strategically important new antimony-gold producers, at a time when the Western supply of critical minerals has never been more important.
