Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV) has installed the ECORE core scanning system at its Hillgrove Antimony & Gold Project in New South Wales, giving the company one of Australia’s most advanced mineralogical analysis capabilities. The system supports both exploration and metallurgical development and provides near real-time mineral mapping.
Advanced Capability Installed On-Site
The ECORE unit uses laser ablation and atomic emission spectroscopy. It delivers quantitative mineralogy within hours, enabling rapid decision-making across drilling and processing workflows. Hillgrove is now the only mine site in Australia with both technologies operating on location.
Managing Director Ron Heeks said: “Integrating ECORE into our workflows provides Larvotto with a powerful new capability to understand the Hillgrove deposit from both geological and metallurgical perspectives.” He added that the technology allows the company to generate high-quality mineralogical information “in hours rather than weeks”.
Near Real-Time Exploration Insights
Larvotto is scanning drill core immediately after drilling. This fast feedback loop identifies mineralised zones, alteration halos and textures linked to ore continuity. These insights help streamline geological logging, refine targeting, and support faster interpretation. The system also improves sample selection for laboratory assays and testwork.
Data collected is being used to build a digital geological library of the Hillgrove system. This provides a consistent and searchable dataset for long-term modelling and future drill planning. Hillgrove is positioned as a future antimony supplier, with Larvotto aiming to produce around seven percent of global antimony requirements.
Enhancing Metallurgical Design
ECORE’s detailed mineralogical output supports metallurgical testwork by analysing grain size, mineral associations and texture. These parameters directly affect grinding efficiency, flotation performance and metal recoveries.
The system is expected to play a significant role in pre-feasibility activities, circuit optimisation and process troubleshooting. The ability to rapidly analyse feed ore can assist in diagnosing plant issues and evaluating opportunities to re-process historical tailings or waste material.
Context
The Hillgrove Project sits in a strategic commodity space as antimony is globally scarce and used in defence, electronics and energy storage technologies. Improving processing intelligence early in development can reduce technical risk and shorten project schedules. Near real-time mineralogical data also supports more efficient drill campaigns, which is critical for deposits with complex zonation like Hillgrove.
Read more about Larvotto Resources: Larvotto Reports High-Grade Gold and Antimony Hits at Hillgrove
