** Shares of oil and gas explorer Whitebark Energy Ltd
WBE.AX rise as much as 17.4% to A$0.027, their highest level
since Oct. 23
** Stock on track for best day since Oct. 19, if gains hold
** Co receives significant early interest from parties
during the formal process to explore monetization of all or part
of its Wizard Lake assets in Canada
** Says process has already led to 17 parties signing
confidentiality agreements with co
** Stock down 69.3% YTD as of last close
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))