** Shares of Aureka Ltd AKA.AX rise 9.7% to A$0.170, their highest since February 24

** Co announces acquisition of 97 hectares of land worth A$2.2 million ($1.38 million) encompassing its flagship Irvine gold project in Victoria, Australia

** Co says that the purchase would mean a permanent presence on-site, flexibility in drill programs and provides for future infrastructure options

** Stock up 25.9% YTD, including moves in day's session

($1 = 1.5941 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru)

((Jasmeenaraislam.shaikh@thomsonreuters.com))