MELBOURNE (TIP): Indian mining giant Adani’s plan to build one of the world’s largest coal mines got a new lease of life on Thursday after the Australian government gave its re-approval to the 16.5 billion controversy-hit project but with “strictest conditions” amid environmental concerns.

Over two months after an Australian court revoked the environmental approval for the project, environment minister Greg Hunt signed the papers, giving Adani the re-approval with conditions imposed that take into account community issues and would ensure that the company meets the highest environmental standards.

he federal court in August had revoked the original approval due to a bureaucratic bungle over two vulnerable species — the yakka skink and the ornamental snake.

Stating that Adani’s project was given re-approval “in accordance with national environment law”, Hunt said his nod for the project considered additional information provided by Adani and environmental groups.

The approval would be “subject to 36 of the strictest conditions in Australian history,” he said.

“The conditions I have imposed take into account issues raised by the community and ensure that the proponent must meet the highest environmental standards,” Hunt was quoted as saying by ABC News.

“The rigorous conditions will protect threatened species and provide long-term benefits for the environment through the development of an offset package,” he said.