** Shares of Ionic Rare Earths IXR.AX rise as much as 8.7%
to A$0.025, set for best day since Sept. 19, if gains hold
** Mineral explorer reports positive assay results for its
Makuutu heavy rare earths project in Uganda
** Co says it achieved rare earth intersections in 26 of 31
drill holes
** Co's local Ugandan operating entity is handling
development at the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project
** Stock at highest level since Sept. 25
** Stock down 30.3% YTD, as of last close
(Reporting by Adwitiya Srivastava in Bengaluru)
((Adwitiya.Srivastava@thomsonreuters.com;))