** Shares of IGO Ltd IGO.AX rise 3.8% to A$5.41
** Australian battery metal producer rose as much as 4.6% earlier in the day, posting their strongest trading session since Dec. 10
** IGO and joint venture partner China's Tianqi Lithium 002466.SZ will cease all operations at one of its lithium hydroxide plants at the Kwinana refinery in Western Australia
** Citi says the move is not a surprise and removes an overhang
** Investor sentiment towards Kwinana is weak — Citi
** IGO up 9.2% YTD as of last close
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com))