** Shares of Australia's top independent coal miner Whitehaven Coal WHC.AX rise as much as 4.6% to A$7.05, their highest level since November 7, 2024
** Coal prices soared on chatter about potential government inspections in China, which might lead to supply disruptions
** Coronado Global Resources CRN.AX soars 8.1%, while New Hope Corp NHC.AX is up 1.6%
** Broader mining sub-index .AXMM up 1.8%
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))