Larvotto eyes Mt Isa copper revival

Larvotto Resources is moving to expand its Mt Isa footprint with an exclusive option to acquire the Blockade mine from Kilo Copper.

The 152.7-hectare tenement, surrounded by Larvotto’s existing holdings, sits along a major north-west trending fault system hosting deeper sulphide copper mineralisation confirmed by 2010–11 drilling.

Historical small-scale mining at Blockade dates back over a century, including a shallow open pit operated by Mount Isa Mines in the 1980s for high-grade copper.

Kilo has completed approximately 4000m of mainly reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the site. Larvotto will follow up with a six-hole, 1500m RC program to validate past results and test extensions of known mineralisation, with successful outcomes potentially unlocking near-term copper production.

“Acquiring the Blockade mine that was previously mined for high grade copper by Mount Isa Mines has been a strategic priority that we have pursued over several years to complement our Mt Isa portfolio,” Larvotto Resources managing Ron Heeks said.

“Blockade, which we surround, has the potential to form an integral part of a regional hub-and-spoke operation and serve as the basis of near-term copper production from the existing mine.”

The company said current known mineralisation is open in all directions and drilling to date has only tested to a depth of 100m, and there is significant potential for a significant tonnage deposit with excellent grade.

“While the Hillgrove antimony-gold project in New South Wales has been Larvotto’s focus over the past two years, our conviction in the copper potential at Mt Isa remains unchanged,” Heeks said.

“We have a dedicated exploration team for Mt Isa, reflecting our commitment to advancing this highly prospective project area.”

The company said if the results confirm its expectations, Blockade will potentially transform Mt Isa from a greenfield exploration story into a genuine near-term copper development opportunity.