An Australian court overturned the approval of a massive, India-backed coal mine in Queensland state Wednesday on a technicality, but the Indian firm said it remained committed to ensuring the project went ahead.

"With the consent of the parties, the Federal Court has formally set aside the approval of the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project," the Environment Department said in a statement, referring to the Aus$16.5 billion (US$12.2 billion) project.