Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV) said plant refurbishment works are on track at its Hillgrove project in New South Wales, with underground mining activities underway, according to a Monday filing with the Australian bourse.

The company expects to resume production at the project in the middle of the year, the filing said.

Menawhile, rare earth mineralization metallurgy test work started at the Eyre project in Western Australia to evaluate processing and recovery potential, and due diligence activities are in progress for the planned acquisition of the Blockade copper mine in Queensland, per the filing.

Shares rose 5% in morning trade Monday.