Larvotto Resources Ltd (OTCMKTS: LRVTF) (FRA: K6X) (ASX: LRV) has broken new ground in the Australian mining sector by installing a state-of-the-art core sample scanning machine at its Hillgrove operation.
The Aussie antimony and gold mining company revealed Dec. 4 that the site is now equipped with ECORE technology from Canada-based ELEMISSION Inc. It is the first in the country to utilize the machine.
This system enables Larvotto to rapidly scan drill cores and obtain valuable insights. It helps the company understand multi-element geochemistry, mineral distribution and textural features of the material. This knowledge subsequently assists with accelerating exploration, geological modelling and metallurgical studies.
ECORE minimizes the turnaround time typically associated with sending samples to a laboratory for assays by identifying the most highly prospective intervals before shipping occurs. This optimizes drill campaigns and reduces exploration costs. Furthermore, it enables Larvotto to establish a geological library of Hillgrove’s ore and mineralized systems.
“This cutting edge technology enables us to generate high-quality mineralogical information in hours rather than weeks,” said Larvotto’s Managing Director Ron Heeks, “significantly improving how we do business from exploration drilling to processing.”
ECORE uses laser ablation and atomic emission spectroscopy technology. In a nutshell, the type of laser ablation the device uses works by using a high-powered laser beam to vaporize a small amount of material. The cloud of small particles this produces provides an accurate representation of what the material is comprised of while limiting the amount consumed to offer that insight. LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) is the name of this type of laser ablation.
Atomic emission spectroscopy essentially involves heating a sample until its assortment of atoms glow with their own unique colours, thereby enabling the operator of the machine to understand the critical mineral composition of the material.
Geological team at the Hillgrove operation with an ELEMISSION tech and the ECORE scanner system. Photo credit: Larvotto Resources
Read more: NevGold expands high-grade antimony discovery at Nevada’s Limousine Butte Project
Hillgrove to become key global antimony supplier
Larvotto’s flagship mining project where this apparatus now resides is projected to be capable of fulfilling 7 per cent of international antimony demand with first production slated for Q2 of 2026. Construction is currently well underway. The company is shooting to produce 5,400 tonnes per annum.
Larvotto claims the Hillgrove deposit in New South Wales holds Australia’s largest antimony resource and ranks eighth globally.
Larvotto is one of a select number of companies that are prioritizing antimony production alongside gold at their operations. This silvery metalloid element has been overlooked in the past due to its low value but the current pricing environment has changed drastically in recent months. Its spot price has risen by approximately 300 per cent since early 2024 to a current historic value of US$51,500 per metric ton.
Perpetua Resources Corp (TSE: PPTA) (NASDAQ: PPTA), NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) and Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (TSE: USA) (NYSEAMERICAN: USAS) (FRA: SZ71) are other industry players that are pursuing antimony at their respective precious metal mining operations.
Read more: NevGold surges after closing C$10M financing deal
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