A huge US$6.3 billion Australian coal mine to be built by Indian infrastructure giant GVK was given the green light on Thursday under strict environmental conditions to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has attacked Queensland officials over their handling of a massive Indian-led US$6.3 billion coal mine project, accusing them of risking investor confidence.

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GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd is looking to sell down its stakes in the Alpha coal project and related port and rail assets in Australia to help fund the $10 billion cost of the projects, its Austral