** Shares of Australia's Ardea Resources ARL.AX jump 9.6% to A$0.745, on track for their biggest intra-day pct gain since December 19

** The nickel-cobalt developer says its Goongarrie Hub nickel-cobalt project has received backing of up to about A$1 billion ($699.60 million) in total from Export Finance Australia $(EFA)$ and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM)

** Says EFA flagged potential support of up to A$500 million, while U.S. EXIM expressed interest in up to $350 million

** Stock marks its highest level since January 19

** 554,086 shares change hands, vs the 30-day average of 228,194 shares

** Stock up 24.2% this year, including the day's move

($1 = 1.4294 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru)

((Roushni.nair@thomsonreuters.com))