** Shares of International Graphite IG6.AX rise 11.1% to A$0.08, their highest level since September 6, 2024
** The graphite explorer to form a 50/50 joint venture with Arctic Graphite AS to develop an expandable graphite facility in Europe, preferably in Germany
** Co says major shareholder Comet Resources sells down 27.5 mln shares in firm, with A$1.125 million ($738,900) of proceeds to be used in repaying debts to IG6
** Around 4.3 million shares change hands, vs the 30-day average of 177,567 shares
** Earlier in the day, stock hit its biggest intraday gain since early July 2023
** Stock up 50% this year, including the day's move
($1 = 1.5225 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru)
((shivangi.lahiri@thomsonreuters.com))