** Shares of Asian Battery Metals PLC AZ9.AX rise as much as 10.9% to A$0.051, their highest level since February 18

** The UK-based critical battery mineral explorer finds massive sulphide at Maikhan Uul Project in southwestern Mongolia

** Co has signed a six-month option to acquire Maikhan Uul Cu-Au Project

** About 3.6 million shares traded, 2.8x the 30-day average

** YTD stock down 2.1%, including current session's move

(Reporting by Ananya Verma in Bengaluru)

((ananya.verma@thomsonreuters.com;))