Australia said on Tuesday it would delay environmental approval for a AUD 10 billion coal project proposed by India's GVK Power & Infrastructure, a potential setback in the company's bid to tap voracious appetite for coal in its home market.

Environment Minister Mr Tony Burke said GVK must work with national authorities to secure approval for the project, vital to its coal ambitions.

He said “I am stopping the clock on the Alpha project. We have no interest in a delayed process. But we are not willing to compromise environmental standards.”

The government of Queensland last week gave the go ahead for GVK's Alpha project in a move that would normally trigger a 30 day deadline for approval from the national government.

Source - Reuters

(www.coalguru.com)