Blacklode Drilling Yields 15m at 5.24g/t AuEq in Larvotto’s Hillgrove Project
Larvotto Resources reports strong first-pass diamond drilling results at its Blacklode Prospect within the Hillgrove Project, revealing wide zones of high-grade gold and antimony mineralisation. These findings underpin plans for a resource upgrade and signal promising exploration upside near existing infrastructure.
- First diamond drilling at Blacklode returns wide, consistent gold-antimony zones
- Highlight intercept, 15m at 5.24g/t AuEq from 42m depth including 4.2m at 14.46g/t AuEq
- Drilling targets western extension of Blacklode structure intersecting Syndicate lode
- Results to feed into upcoming Metz Mining Centre Resource and Reserve upgrade
- Four rigs active across Hillgrove, balancing near-mine growth and district exploration
Strong Start at Blacklode
Larvotto Resources Limited has unveiled encouraging results from its maiden diamond drilling campaign at the Blacklode Prospect, part of its wholly owned Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales. The initial four drill holes have intersected broad and consistent zones of gold and antimony mineralisation, with standout intercepts such as 15 metres grading 5.24 grams per tonne gold equivalent (AuEq) starting at just 42 metres below surface. Notably, within this interval, a higher-grade core of 4.2 metres at 14.46 g/t AuEq was recorded, underscoring the prospect’s potential.
Strategic Targeting and Exploration Upside
The drilling program focused on the western extension of the Blacklode structure, where it intersects with the Syndicate lode, a key structural confluence within the Metz Mining Centre. This area remains underexplored despite its proximity to existing underground infrastructure, making these results particularly significant. Larvotto’s Managing Director, Ron Heeks, highlighted that the discovery of multiple stacked, high-grade veins near accessible workings could provide near-term mineable material, potentially extending the life of the mine.
Broader Hillgrove Exploration Strategy
Beyond Blacklode, Larvotto is actively drilling at other promising targets including Freehold and Clarks Gully, with four diamond rigs currently operating across the Hillgrove site. This dual approach balances immediate resource growth near existing mines with exploration of broader district potential. The company anticipates a steady stream of assay results through 2026, which will feed into updated resource models and reserve estimates, particularly at the Metz Mining Centre.
Technical Rigor and Future Plans
The drilling results have been compiled and verified by experienced geologists, with assays conducted at certified laboratories using industry-standard methods. Larvotto plans follow-up step-out drilling to test strike extensions and depth continuity, as the Syndicate-Blacklode mineral system remains open at depth with approximately 700 metres of vertical continuity confirmed. Additionally, historic surface workings and parallel mineralised splays identified at nearby deposits like Eleanora suggest further exploration upside.
Positioning for Growth
Larvotto’s methodical exploration and resource development at Hillgrove reflect a clear strategy to unlock value from this established mining district. The combination of high-grade intercepts close to infrastructure and ongoing drilling activity positions the company well for resource upgrades and potential mine life extension. Investors will be watching closely as further drilling results and resource updates emerge in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Larvotto’s Blacklode drilling success sets the stage for resource growth, but ongoing exploration will be key to unlocking Hillgrove’s full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results refine the size and grade of the Blacklode resource?
- What are the metallurgical characteristics and recoveries for the gold-antimony mineralisation?
- How might Larvotto’s capital expenditure plans evolve to support expanded mining at Hillgrove?
