** Shares of Loyal Lithium LLI.AX rise as much as 8.7% to A$0.125, their highest since Nov. 1
** Co is set to consolidate its Hidden Lake Lithium Project, with Canadian lithium explorer Patriot Battery Metals PMET.TO becoming a substantial co shareholder
** 136,870 shares change hands, compared with the 30-day average volume of 130,620 shares
** Co has also secured A$6 million in funding to advance its Canadian lithium assets
** Stock has fallen 62.9% this year, as of last close
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))