** Shares of Balkan Mining and Minerals Ltd BMM.AX rise as
much as 16.4% to A$0.320, their biggest intraday pct gain since
Oct.31
** Australia's lithium explorer says its Canadian Lithium
portfolio has strengthened with acquisition of Arrel project in
the Thunder Bay North mining district in Ontario
** Adds Arrel project is situated between co's existing
Gorge and Tango projects, which further solidifies co's presence
in the region
** Stock posts its highest since Nov. 21
** Stock has fallen 43.3% this year, as of last close
(Reporting By Udbhav Krishna P in Bengaluru)
((UdbhavKrishna.P@Thomsonreuters.com))