SHENHUA COAL MINE GIVEN GREEN LIGHT FROM GREG HUNT

The open-cut coal mine, Shenhua Watermark near Gunnedah, has been given the green light by Minister for Environment, Greg Hunt.

In the pipeline since 2008, the $1.2-billion open cut coal mine recieved the approval from the Planning Assessment Commission earlier this year.

The Commission was criticised for not taking into account the potential impacts on argicultural land and water.

Construction may begin as soon as 2016.