** Shares of Victory Metals Ltd VTM.AX rise 10% to A$0.99, set for their best session since May 20, if trend holds
** Stock currently at its highest level since June 24
** Heavy rare-earth miner gets approval from the U.S. government's system for Award Management - a necessary step in securing contracts with U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defence
** Co says approval likely to enable access to U.S. state-backed funding
** Around 320,646 shares change hands, compared with the 30-day average volume of about 179,324
** Session extends YTD gains to 144.4%
(Reporting by Shruti Agarwal in Bengaluru)
((Shruti.Agarwal@thomsonreuters.com))