** American West Metals AW1.AX soars 13.9% to A$0.041; set for biggest pct gain since late December

** Stock hits the highest since April 2

** Co partners with global metal trading firm Ocean Partners for 80% of the initial capital needed to develop Storm Copper Project in Canada

** Ocean Partners will subscribe to AW1 shares worth $2 million

** YTD, stock sheds ~20%

(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)

((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))