** Shares of Australia's Astron Ltd ATR.AX rise as much as 11.6% to A$0.72

** Critical minerals miner says its Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project located in western Victoria, Australia granted Australian major project status

** Status is Australian govt's recognition of project’s national significance, & potential contribution to economic growth, employment, and regional Australia - ATR

** Nearly 692,000 shares traded so far, 4.4x 30-day average volume

** Stock has risen 138.7% this year, as of 0207 GMT

(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)

((Roshan.Thomas@thomsonreuters.com;))