** Shares of Australia's Bayan Mining and Minerals BMM.AX rise as much as 39.8% to A$0.13, on track for steepest daily jump since August 22, 2025 if current gains hold
** Stock hits highest level since January 29
** Lithium explorer signs MoU with US Critical Materials to advance Colorado School of Mines rare earth processing technologies
** MoU establishes a framework for technical collaboration, potential strategic investment discussion, among others
** About 1.6 mln shares change hands, 6.8 times the 30-day avg
(Reporting by Anjali Singh in Bengaluru)
((anjali.singh2@thomsonreuters.com;))