A cooperation agreement between ExxonMobil and PetroChina International is on hold pending environmental review by the Australian government.

PetroChina International, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, has signed a cooperation agreement with ExxonMobil's affiliates in Australia on the long-term supply of liquefied natural gas from the proposed Gorgon LNG Project in Western Australia, but the agreement can not be formally initiated since the Gorgon LNG Project has not yet passed review by Australia's environment department.

Peter Garrett, Australia's environment and arts minister, told the Australian media that whether the Gorgon LNG Project can be started would depend on the Environment Law of Australia. Garrett said that when the relevant investigations are completed on September 8, 2009 a decision would be made on whether a license would be granted to the project.

It is learned that the Australia environment department will investigate as to whether or not the plant for Gorgon LNG Project will threaten rare and endangered species in the region.

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