** Shares of Coronado Global Resources rise as much as 2.9% to A$0.89, their highest levels since Dec 4

** The metallurgical coal producer's unit Coronado Curragh gets regulatory approvals to start underground mining operations at its Mammoth underground mine in Curragh Mining Complex

** Curragh currently comprises two open cut mines at Blackwater in Queensland's Bowen Basin

** Says cutting of first coal is scheduled for Dec 19

** Says Mammoth mine will mark co's first foray into underground mining in Australia

** Stock has fallen 50.9% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by Namrata Verma in Bengaluru)

((namrata.verma@thomsonreuters.com))