Australian coal miner Bandanna Energy Ltd had been continuing discussions with its potential partners for its power station coal project. The project is expecting the issuance of a government environmental approval very soon. 

The approval, which took about three years, would be expected to be issued early next month. This was confirmed by Bandanna Energy Managing Director Michael Gray during an interview in Singapore.

According to Gray, speaking of his Brisbane based firm, "One of the key concerns for investors is environmental approvals so it's most likely a joint venture won't be finalized until the final environmental approvals are in place. That's something we'll continue to negotiate over the next three to four months."

Last month, Bandanna had announced its ongoing discussions with Korea Midland Power Co, which is a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corp. The discussions revolve around Springsure Creek, which is projected to deliver its first coal load by 2015. Other discussions with possible power strategic investors from China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are still ongoing.