What was the major update from Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) regarding the Hillgrove Project?

Larvotto Resources successfully delivered the first development ore from its Metz underground mine to surface stockpiles. This achievement signals the company’s transition from a pure explorer/developer to a "producer-in-waiting."

Why is the first ore delivery a significant catalyst for LRV shareholders?

This milestone de-risks the project by proving that the underground infrastructure and mining teams can successfully extract and transport ore to the surface. It keeps the company on schedule for its critical August 2026 process plant commissioning date.

What is the production outlook for the Hillgrove antimony-gold project?

The project is forecast to have an initial eight-year mine life with significant annual output. Larvotto Resources expects to produce an average of 40,556 ounces of gold and 4,878 tonnes of antimony per year.

How is the underground development progressing at the Metz mine?

Underground contractor PYBAR has completed 170 metres of new development and rehabilitated approximately two kilometres of existing tunnels (drives). To ensure structural integrity for full-scale production, crews have installed over 20,000 rock bolts.

What is the current status of the Hillgrove processing plant?

The process plant is currently undergoing refurbishment and is reportedly nearing completion. Management confirmed that these works are tracking on time and within budget, which is a key metric for retail investors monitoring capital expenditure (capex) risks.

Larvotto delivers first ore ahead of commissioning

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished May. 12 2026Last Updated May. 12 2026

Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) has transitioned from developer to producer-in-waiting, delivering the first development ore from the Metz underground mine to surface stockpiles.

The achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Hillgrove antimony-gold project, keeping the operation firmly on track for its scheduled process plant commissioning in August.

The milestone saw investor confidence surge, with the company’s share price climbing over 9% following the announcement.

The rapid progress is underpinned by an underground campaign led by contractor PYBAR.

To date, crews have advanced 170m of new development and rehabilitated nearly two kilometres of existing drives.

The scale of the safety and structural works is evidenced by the installation of 20,000 rock bolts, a necessary precursor to the full-scale underground production ramp-up.

Additionally, vertical raise boring for a new ventilation shaft has commenced ahead of schedule, ensuring the mine’s infrastructure can support the increasing operational intensity.

Managing Director Ron Heeks praised the site team’s precision, noting that the project remains both on time and within budget.

“We are looking forward to becoming not only Australia’s next critical mineral producer but also its largest antimony producer,” Heeks stated.

As refurbishment of the processing plant nears completion, Hillgrove is poised to become a significant player in the critical minerals sector.

The project is forecast to produce an average of 40,556 ounces of gold and 4,878 tonnes of antimony annually over its initial eight-year mine life.

At the time of reporting, Larvotto Resources’ share price was $1.53.