Opponents are worried the mining could cause irreparable damage.

BBC: Artist impression of the mining project

At the same time East Kalimantan, where Bayan operates, is considering plans to cap annual coal output in an effort to promote alternative energy and cut back on the damage coal mining has done to the environment.

FORBES: Low Tuck Kwong

Beijing has denied the allegations in the WTO case, saying that it enforced the quotas to ensure there was no environmental damage caused due to excessive mining.

BBC: US, EU and Japan challenge China on rare earths at WTO

But the real damage was to the local coal-mining industry: work has been suspended pending investigation.

ECONOMIST: Coal mining in Germany