Australia Gunns has preferred partner for pulp mill

SYDNEY, June 29 (Reuters) - Australian timber group Gunns Ltd (GNS.AX) has identified a preferred partner to proceed with its controversial Bell Bay pulp mill, the company said in a statement on Monday.

Gunns, which is building a A$2 billion ($.6 billion) pulp mill in Tasmania, said talks with lenders on financing for the project were continuing.

Gunns did not name the partner, but said it was a company with "significant international experience in the pulp and paper sector." ($1=A$1.24) (Reporting by Denny Thomas;)