** Astral Resources AAR.AX falls as much as 6.8% to A$0.205; marks steepest intraday pct fall since November 21
** Stock hits its lowest since November 28
** Metal explorer receives firm commitments to raise A$65 million ($43.2 million) via placement
** Issue price of A$0.2/share represents 9.1% discount to last close
** Proceeds will be used to accelerate development at co's gold projects in Western Australia
** YTD, AAR gains 59.3%
($1 = A$1.5060)
(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)
((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))