Felix Resources shares surged 13 per cent after the coal miner said it had received a number of takeover approaches from several parties.
The Queensland-based coal producer said "several parties have expressed interest" in the company but that "no formal written offer has been made" at this stage.
Felix shares jumped $2.28, or 12.96 per cent to an intra-day high of $19.87 before easing to close 12 per cent higher at $19.70.
Australia's coal sector is facing a period of consolidation as prices for the bulk commodity rise significantly amid continuing strong demand from China and other developing nations.
Xstrata Plc swallowed Resource Pacific Holdings
via a $1 billion takeover this year, while Macarthur Coal Ltd entered into takeover talks with ArcelorMittal after the steelmaker took a significant stake in the group.
The transaction was abandoned but ArcelorMittal lifted its stake further in Macarthur Coal and was later joined on the register by Korean steelmaker Posco.
Merrill Lynch said in a client note that Felix had an "impressive" growth profile and was attractive from a merger and acquisition perspective.
Felix managing director Brian Flannery was unavailable for comment.
The company has an interest in three mines in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales and Queensland's Bowen Basin, producing both thermal and metallurgical coal.
Thermal coal is used as fuel for power stations and metallurgical, or coking coal, is used in the production of steel.
The company, which is 56.8 per cent held by management and major shareholder AMCI, last month announced a profit upgrade to between $220 million and $240 million for 2007/08.
Felix has appointed Citigroup Global Markets Australia and Wilson HTM Corporate Finance as advisers.