** Shares of WA1 Resources WA1.AX rise 13.1% to A$14.69

** Stock hit its highest level since Dec. 17

** Diversified miner announces the first production of ferroniobium at its West Arunta Project in Western Australia

** Ferroniobium is the most established market for niobium products, accounting for approximately 90% of global niobium consumption - co

** 363,875 shares change hands, 2 times the 30-day average of 178,334

** Stock rose as much as 13.7% to A$14.770 earlier in the day, marking its biggest intraday gain since Dec. 11

** Stock rose nearly 11% YTD, including current session moves

(Reporting by Manasi Dasa Sundeep in Bengaluru)

((Manasi.DasaSundeep@thomsonreuters.com;))