** Shares of Vulcan Energy Resources VUL.AX rise 4.2% to A$4.95
** Stock rose as much as 10.3% to A$5.24 in early trade, its highest level since January 24
** Miner receives strategic project status for its Phase One Lionheart lithium and renewable energy project in Germany
** Strategic project status under European Commission's Critical Raw Materials Act
** Stock down 7.9% YTD, including current session's moves
(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)
((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))