Larvotto Resources has recently acquired and installed the innovative ECORE automated core scanning system from Canadian-based Elemission. This state-of-the-art technology positions the Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales as the only operational mine site in Australia equipped with on-site laser ablation and atomic emission spectroscopy capabilities.
The ECORE system significantly enhances geological analysis by providing near real-time, high-resolution multi-element geochemistry and quantitative mineralogy. Located approximately 30 kilometres east of Armidale, the bench-top unit scans fresh drill core just hours after it reaches the surface. This advancement offers a dramatic reduction in processing time compared to the traditional weeks or months required for off-site laboratory assays.
Transforming Geological Modelling and Processing
The introduction of the ECORE scanner allows Larvotto’s exploration team to instantly visualize the distribution of antimony, gold, and gangue, as well as alteration halos and textural relationships. This capability accelerates geological modelling and sharpens follow-up drill targeting. As Ron Heeks, managing director of Larvotto Resources, stated, “The addition of this capability represents a major step forward in Larvotto’s adoption of advanced, automated mineralogy.”
Key benefits of the ECORE technology include streamlined core logging, more focused assay interval selection, and the development of a fully searchable digital mineralogical library for the entire Hillgrove ore system. The technology’s applications extend beyond exploration; metallurgists at Hillgrove are already utilizing ECORE data to refine grind circuits, optimize flotation and recovery parameters, and troubleshoot process plant performance.
This data will also play a crucial role in pre-feasibility studies and in assessing the potential for re-processing historical tailings and waste dumps associated with the project.
Commitment to Modern Mining Practices
Heeks emphasized the transformative impact of integrating ECORE into operational workflows, stating, “This cutting-edge technology enables us to generate high-quality mineralogical information in hours rather than weeks, significantly improving how we do business from exploration drilling to processing.”
The acquisition reflects Larvotto’s commitment to operating a modern and efficient mining operation at Hillgrove, which is projected to produce approximately 7 percent of the global antimony supply once its refurbished plant reaches nameplate capacity in 2026.
In an industry often perceived as slow to innovate, Larvotto Resources is poised to enhance both exploration and processing capabilities at Hillgrove. The implementation of real-time mineralogical evaluations enables quicker results following sample acquisition, leading to higher recovery rates and more strategic financial management.
As the exploration landscape continues to evolve, the legacy of those who first explored the mineral wealth of the Hillgrove area nearly 170 years ago would likely be unrecognizable today. With the arrival of ECORE technology, Larvotto Resources is not only embracing the future but also redefining modern mining practices.
