** Shares of Larvotto Resources rise as much as 18.6% to A$0.51, logging their biggest intraday pct gain since Nov. 29

** Mineral explorer reports high-grade gold and antimony mineralisation from its Hillgrove project in New South Wales

** Says drilling result expected to improve current mineral resources estimate

** Stock hits its highest level since Dec. 10

** More than 4.6 mln shares change hands vs the 30-day avg volume of 4.3 mln shares

** Larvotto shares have risen nearly seven-fold in value YTD, including current session's moves

(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)

((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))