** Shares of Chilwa Minerals CHW.AX rise as much as 3.1% to A$1.00, set for their strongest trading session since November 13

** Critical mineral explorer commenced process for an IPO in the U.S. with a dual listing on Nasdaq mainboard

** Mandate signed with New York-based investment bank for a US IPO to raise up to $10 million - co

** Stock up 33.3% YTD, including the day's moves

(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru)

((shivangi.lahiri@thomsonreuters.com))