The $6.4 billion Alpha Coal mine, led by GVK and Gina Rinehart, has been told to improve four areas before it gains Federal environmental approval.
In a statement Environment Minister Tony Burke said the areas needed to be addressed included an enhanced offsets package and clarifying how the mine's environmental studies on Abbot Point worked with other studies of the location.
More work on the development's impact on the Great Barrier Reef and other sensitive habitats, as well as mitigating the impact of rail developments, were also earmarked.
The announcement follows Burke's move to "stop the clock" on the development to ensure the appropriate protections are in place.
After halting the approval Burke criticisied the Queensland Government's approach to the Alpha mine and labeled it a "shambolic joke".
Image: Hancock Coal
