Australia’s Whitebark Energy jumps on drilling plans in Alberta-based project

** Shares of Whitebark Energy Ltd jump as much as 20 pct to A$0.003, their highest since Nov 7

** The production and explorer firm confirms its Alberta-based Point Loma joint venture will start drilling for two exploration wells before year-end, targeting 70 mln barrels of oil equivalent in place

** Whitebark holds between 20 pct and 30 pct working interest Point Loma joint venture (PLJV) with Point Loma Resources Ltd

** Stock posts biggest intraday pct gain since Oct 3

** Over 20.1 mln shares change hands, compared with the 30-day average volume of about 3 mln shares

** Stock down 66 pct this year, as of last close