** Shares of Tivan TVN.AX rise 9.8% to A$0.090

** Stock set for its strongest session since January 16 if current gains hold

** Critical minerals co announces it has been awarded seven exploration and evaluation licenses in the Democratic Republic of East Timor

** Licenses for the Turiscai Project that is highly prospective for copper-gold mineralisation

** Co has also signed an MoU with the country's National Mineral Authority to facilitate enhanced technical collaboration and community development initiatives in the Turiscai region

** 3.1 mln shares change hands, 1.7x the 30-day average of 1.8 mln

** Stock down 10% YTD, including current session's moves

(Reporting by Manasi Dasa in Bengaluru)

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