** Shares of Centaurus Metals CTM.AX rise as much as 8.4% to A$0.45; their biggest intraday percent gain since October 6

** Mineral explorer acquires Rio Novo Copper-Gold Project, which directly adjoins its Boi Novo Copper-Gold project in Brazil

** Co says it will immediately start a targeted exploration program at the project along with ongoing exploration at the Boi Novo Project

** YTD, CTM up 22.5%

(Reporting by Keshav Singh Chundawat in Bengaluru)

((Keshav.singhchundawat@thomsonreuters.com))