Queensland Mining Exports Still Hampered by Adverse Weather

The coal mining industry in Australia is unlikely to return to full production any time soon with cyclones in North Queensland causing even more disruptions. The recent flooding in the state has resulted in the majority of coal mines operating at reduced capacity.

Almost 80% of the mines in the state have seen drop in production rates and a few of them have had to shut down altogether due to safety hazards from heavy rains. Now thanks to Cyclone Yasi two major coal export terminals have also had to be shut down.

Yasi could slow down exports for weeks according to Michael Roche of the Queensland Resources Council. He said that customers were obviously nervous, they understand this is unusual, and they also know the Queensland coal industry is working very hard to restore supply.

He hoped to see off the next couple of cyclones and then start some serious flow of coal out to the customers. However not everyone shares his optimism. A spokeswoman for the QRC said that they certainly did not need any more water and that it was certainly going to put things back again with mines still being flooded.