Environment Minister Greg Hunt gave the green light over the weekend for the largest coal mining project in Australia to push through. Kevin's Corner covers an area of 37,380 hectares.

The mine will be jointly operated by the India-Australia consortium, GVK-Hancock. It is the first coal mine project approved since the previous federal government introduced a new water trigger regulation.

Greenpeace, however, is opposing the venture, claiming it would use over nine billion litres of water annually, while the Lock the Gate Alliance sought more information on the effect of the coal mining project on the Galilee Basic groundwater supply.

The two pro-environment groups warned that mining and coal seam gas extraction could result to damage of aquifers, rivers and water catchments. At the same time, water science specialists said Mr Hunt should turn down further mining application that could negatively impact water supply.

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But Queensland Resources Council acting Chief Executive Greg Lane insisted that Kevin's Corner would help boost the living standards for millions of Indians and open one of the largest new coal provinces in the world.

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