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Some of the biggest minerals mines in north-west Queensland have suspended production for weeks, some for months, after widespread floods entered sites and caused damage to infrastructure.
Key points:
- Mines across the region have recorded hundreds of millimetres of rainfall
- It will be about four months before a major copper mine will re-open
- Some mines predicted economic losses as a result
The Queensland Department of Environment and Science was coordinating with several mines to assess any environmental issues.
The department confirmed to the ABC it was not investigating any spills.
About 120 kilometres north of Mount Isa, the Capricorn Copper mine was hit hard after about 500 millimetres of rain fell on the site over the first seven days of March.
It will take about four months for production to be restored, according to an ASX statement from mine owner 29 Metals.
Water levels held on site rose by 7 metres but there have been no reports of mine water spilling into the environment, according to the statement.
The mine has said that economic losses are expected as a result of suspended production.
Mining contractors have been notified that services will not be needed during the suspension.
"There is a significant task ahead of us, including reducing water levels stored on site, inspecting site facilities to identify damage, dewatering Esperanza South (ESS) and reinstating mining operations," said chief executive of 29 Metals Peter Albert.
Cloncurry mine out of action
Meanwhile, the large-scale Ernest Henry copper-gold mine has shut down operations for at least six weeks after water has entered the site near Cloncurry.
Workers are assisting with the recovery and damage assessment.
Ernest Henry mine owners Evolution said the suspension of operations would not incur major economic impacts.
"The business performance in the March quarter has been solid with our cash position better than planned [providing] adequate coverage to handle the impact of this incident," said its chief executive Lawrie Conway.
The New Century mine, in the Gulf region, also suspended operations after about 600mm of rain fell over two days in early March.
The mine's port facility in Karumba was also impacted.
"Core infrastructure remains secure, including the tailing storage facility, processing plant and pipeline, along with the Karumba port facility," said New Century Resources in an ASX statement.
It is not clear when production will resume at the mine.
Impact on contractors and international market
Chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council Ian Macfarlane said the suspensions would have a ripple effect on export markets.
"Any loss of production will be felt not just in Queensland in terms of economic return and royalty taxes but internationally it has the potential to create shortages in commodities," he said.
"Right around the world, people will be watching how soon these mines can open.
Many of the mines' contract employees will also be impacted.
"When we see these sorts of mine closures, they have an impact back into the community," Mr Macfarlane said.
"Contractors, in particular, feel it because their opportunities to supply these mines are stopped."