** Shares of Australia's Vault Minerals VAU.AX rise as much as 7.6% to A$0.71, their highest since April 12, 2013
** Intermediate gold producer sees higher production in FY27 and FY28, as compared to FY25
** However, co forecasts lower FY26 production, at 332,000 to 360,000 ounces, as its Deflector mine in Western Australia undergoes transition to an owner operator model, while VAU moves the centre of mining activity elsewhere
** Expects higher production beyond FY26 due to increased plant capacity at its Leonora ops in WA, along with resumption of activity at Sugar Zone, Ontario, Canada, in FY28
** Stock last up 3%, bringing YTD gains to 106.1%
(Reporting by Shruti Agarwal in Bengaluru)
((Shruti.Agarwal@thomsonreuters.com))