** Shares of Charger Metals CHR.AX advances 10.5% to A$0.063, their biggest intraday pct gain since late Oct 2024
** Battery and precious metals miner announces that it has commenced exploration at its Lake Johnston Lithium Project in Western Australia
** Co says that Rio Tinto Exploration is funding this drilling under its agreement with CHR
** CHR also says that preparations are underway for a maiden diamond drilling project in the eastern part of the Mt Day Lithium Prospect
** Stock hits its highest level since Jan. 8
** Stock fell 58.2% in 2024
(Reporting by Manasi Dasa Sundeep in Bengaluru)
((Manasi.DasaSundeep@thomsonreuters.com;))