** Shares of Australian critical minerals explorer Stelar
Metals SLB.AX rise as much as 7.1% to A$0.3 - mark their
biggest intraday gain since Oct. 9
** SLB at its highest level since Oct. 16
** Co says New South Wales resource regulator approved
proposed inaugural drill program at co's Trident Lithium
Project, in Southeast Australia
** First hard-rock lithium drilling program to commence in
Nov at project- SLB
** Stock up ~81% this year, as of last close
(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)
((Roshan.Thomas@thomsonreuters.com;))