** Shares of James Bay Minerals JBY.AX rise as much as
13.8% to A$0.165, on track for their best day since Feb. 29, if
gains hold
** Lithium explorer acquires La Grande East project located
in James Bay region of Quebec, Canada
** Says acquisition expands co's land holdings in La Grande
province
** Says initial consideration under deal C$21,000
($15,453.68) and 210,000 JBY Shares
** Co's shares hit highest level since March 8
** Stock down nearly 54% YTD as of last close
($1 = 1.3589 Canadian dollars)
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))