The minister visited Liverpool Plains to discuss with local farmers concerned over water and agricultural impacts of the project.
Hunt said: "I have requested additional advice from the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC) in relation to the Watermark project.
"The approval process under the EPBC Act will be paused while I await the additional advice on the protection of water resources."
Said to be the company’s first new large-scale mine, the project is expected to produce 10 million tons of coal a year.
Last month, the project has been approved by New South Wales and said it will will be considered by the federal government in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Hunt said: "I take my responsibilities under the EPBC Act very seriously and seeking this further information will ensure that the assessment is robust and based on the best available science."
Shenhua expects the additional review re-confirms the conclusions reached in assessment process by the New South Wales government.
