Australian ministers write to China to confirm approval of Carmichael mine

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary says Adani may have requested letter to help secure Chinese funding

Senior Turnbull government ministers have written a formal letter to China's government to confirm that the controversial Adani Carmichael coal project in Queensland has passed all necessary environmental approvals.

Frances Adamson, the secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told senators on Thursday that Adani may have requested the letter to help it secure funding from the Chinese.