** Perenti PRN.AX rises 2.5% to A$1.4100, highest since Jan. 15

** Diversified mining services co says its underground mining business signed A$120 mln ($74.5 mln) contract with U.S.-based Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick Gold ABX.TO and Newmont Corporation NEM.N

** PRN's mining business will undertake development of Nevada Gold Mines at its Goldrush Project

** Stock gains 0.9% YTD

($1 = A$1.6106)

(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru)

((Jasmeenaraislam.shaikh@thomsonreuters.com))