** Shares of Green Critical Minerals rise as much as 21.4% to A$0.017, their highest level since mid-July 2023

** Miner says commissioning of its VHD Technology pilot plant is underway, with prototype VHD graphite blocks due in January and production set for February, beating prior plans of Q2 CY25

** VHD graphite blocks are utilized for optimal energy storage and thermal control in various industrial applications

** Over 70 mln shares change traded, 4.4x the 30-day avg

** Stock rose 14.3% jump in 2024, a second consecutive year of gains

(Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru)

((Tanishk.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))