** Shares of Chilwa Minerals CHW.AX fall as much as 0.4% to A$1.25, their lowest level since October 17

** Mineral explorer receives firm commitments for A$8.1 million ($5.26 million) placement

** Issue price of A$1.20 per share represents a discount of 4.4% to the stock's last close

** Proceeds will be used to accelerate activities at the CHW's flagship critical minerals project in Malawi - co

** Stock up 66.7% YTD, including the session's moves

($1 = 1.5389 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Anjali Singh in Bengaluru)

((anjali.singh2@thomsonreuters.com;))