** Shares of Noble Helium NHE.AX fall as much as 26.5% to A$0.036, their biggest intraday pct drop since November 2, 2023

** Helium explorer says it would raise A$12 million ($8.27 million) through placement

** Offer price of A$0.029 per share represents 40.8% discount, as of firm's last close

** Says placement funds to be used to support drilling in co's North Rukwa helium project in Africa

** Stock up 16.7% YTD

($1 = 1.4518 Australian dollars)