Lynas Rare Earths soars on reports of Australia mulling minerals deal with US

** Shares of Australia's Lynas Rare Earths LYC.AX rise as much as 7.3% to A$21.250, highest level since August 2011

** Share moves follow media reports of Australia mulling mandated floor prices for critical minerals and funding for new rare earths as part of a proposed deal with the U.S.

** Top rare earths producer China curbed exports of rare earth elements and equipments

** YTD, LYC up 224%