Extreme weather in central Queensland has severely disrupted operations at the BHP Billiton/Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) coal mines and the impact is expected to be felt for several months.

The workforce at BMA’s Gregory Crinum coal mine, about 50 kilometres north-east of Emerald, has been reduced to essential staff while it remains isolated by flood waters.

The areas surrounding Emerald, where most Gregory Crinum employees reside, has been officially declared a disaster zone following heavy flooding.

“Our focus is on the safety of employees and their families ahead of anything on the mine site,” BHP Billiton spokeswoman Emma Meade said.

All BMA mines, excluding Gregory Crinum, have commenced an assessment of the business impact and recovery planning.

“Gregory Crinum mine remains isolated by the flood waters and therefore, the full assessment of the operational implications, including the impact of the longwall move from Crinum to Crinum East, has not yet commenced,” Ms Meade said.

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