** Shares of WA1 Resources WA1.AX rise 13.1% to A$14.69
** Stock hit its highest level since Dec. 17
** Diversified miner announces the first production of
ferroniobium at its West Arunta Project in Western Australia
** Ferroniobium is the most established market for niobium
products, accounting for approximately 90% of global niobium
consumption - co
** 363,875 shares change hands, 2 times the 30-day average
of 178,334
** Stock rose as much as 13.7% to A$14.770 earlier in the
day, marking its biggest intraday gain since Dec. 11
** Stock rose nearly 11% YTD, including current session
moves
(Reporting by Manasi Dasa Sundeep in Bengaluru)
((Manasi.DasaSundeep@thomsonreuters.com;))