Larvotto Closes in on First Antimony Ingots at NSW Mine

Why It Matters

The mine will secure a strategic domestic source of antimony for Australia’s critical‑minerals stockpile, reducing reliance on volatile imports and supporting high‑growth sectors such as electronics and defense. Its multi‑metal output and advanced tech also promise strong cash flow and a competitive edge in a tightening supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• Hillgrove aims for first antimony production by mid‑2026.
• Processing plant refurbishment costs about US$46 million, on schedule.
• Project will supply Australia’s Critical Minerals Stockpile, boosting security.
• Potential tailings retreatment could add gold and tungsten revenue.
• ECORE LIBS scanner cuts core analysis from weeks to 24 hours.

Pulse Analysis

Antimony’s strategic importance has surged as governments scramble to secure critical minerals for high‑tech and defense applications. Australia’s recent Critical Minerals Stockpile legislation places antimony among the first four metals, creating a clear policy incentive for domestic producers. Larvotto’s Hillgrove project, slated for mid‑2026 output, directly addresses this demand, offering a reliable, Australian‑based source that can help the nation mitigate geopolitical supply risks and meet emerging industry standards.

Operationally, Larvotto is advancing quickly. A US$46 million (A$70 million) refurbishment of the processing plant is on schedule for wet commissioning in August, and a second draw of US$31.5 million from a US$105 million Nordic Bond underwrites the build. The facility will start at 250,000 tonnes per year, with a “Modification 5” permit to lift capacity to 525,000 tonnes, effectively doubling throughput. Parallel exploration of historic tailings, which average 1.6 g/t gold and contain antimony and tungsten, could unlock low‑cost additional revenue, while soaring tungsten prices—US$3,185 per metric tonne—add further upside.

The broader market implications are significant. By becoming one of only two Australian antimony suppliers, Larvotto positions itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s strategic mineral supply chain, likely attracting long‑term contracts and government support. The integration of an ECORE LIBS core scanner, the first of its kind in Australian mining, accelerates mineralogical decision‑making, reducing exploration cycles and cost. Investors watching the critical‑minerals space should view Hillgrove as a high‑growth, multi‑metal asset that aligns with both commodity price tailwinds and policy‑driven demand.