Clive Palmer may seek to influence the federal government's assessment of his Queensland coal mine project, the owner of a nearby nature reserve claims.
However, Environment Minister Greg Hunt says he's bound by law to assess the $6.4 billion project, near Alpha in the Galilee Basin, based on environmental requirements.
Paola Cassoni, part owner of Bimblebox Nature Refuge which sits within the footprint of the plan, says Mr Palmer may influence the government as he could hold power in parliament.
"This situation is ludicrous," she said.
"How on earth can we believe that the negative impacts from this mine are being properly considered when the Abbott government has a motive to win favour of Clive Palmer?"
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In August, the Queensland's coordinator-general approved the Waratah Coal-China First Galilee Coal Mine project, subject to strict conditions.
The enterprise involves clearing thousands of hectares of vegetation on the refuge that is the habitat of the endangered black-throated finch and at least 220 species of plant.
The conditions include drafting species, weed, bushfire, erosion and water management plans.
Ms Cassoni claims that if the plan is approved the decision will be politically motivated.
In response, Mr Hunt said in a statement that he was bound by law to assess projects on environmental requirements.
"The law is the law," he said.
"All projects and all submissions both for and against any project will be considered equally."
A spokesman for Mr Palmer told AAP the project would be subject to a thorough and strict environmental assessment.
The mega project, which includes six mines and a 468km rail line, must be approved by the federal government before it can go ahead.
