** Shares of Vedanta Ltd rise as much as 2.8 pct to 281.85 rupees in early trade

** Stock hits highest since Sept 25, 2014; is top percentage gainer on the NSE index

** Company said on Tuesday its Q1 consolidated profit more than doubled to 15.25 bln rupees ($236.70 mln), driven by better margins from its zinc operations

** Analysts expect Vedanta's zinc business to significantly transform further in CY 2018, with its aluminium business also expected to be a major driver

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