“Australians in every corner of our country can be proud of what they've raised for the flood victims so far, but let's try and go that extra mile to give a bit more to those devastated by these floods," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said.

The floods have impacted up to 40 mines in the state since before Christmas.

Xstrata was one of the first companies to donate, contributing $1 million to the appeal on December 30.

The bulk of Xstrata’s Australian operations are in Queensland, though only its coal operations have been affected, but the company said many of its employees had been impacted or left homeless.

“The communities close to our coal operations in central Queensland located near Emerald, Collinsville and Springsure, as well as our copper and zinc operations across Mt Isa and Townsville, represent an important part of Xstrata’s global network and it is thus fitting for Xstrata to play a role in assisting the many residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the rising floodwaters,” Xstrata chief executive Mick Davis said.

Another Swiss company, Glencore International, which has a 35% stake in Xstrata, has donated $250,000.

BHP Billiton has pledged $1 million, in addition to a $300,000 donation already made by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance.

BMA is also providing assistance to members of its workforce and their communities.

BHP will match employee donations made through its Matched Giving Program dollar for dollar.

The company’s BMA joint venture partner, Mitsubishi Development, has made a separate $500,000 donation.

Rio Tinto has donated $1 million, comprising $700,000 to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal and $300,000 directly to Emerald charities and organisations.

"In making this $1 million donation we want to give a hand to those who have been evacuated from their homes or who have had their homes damaged in flood-affected areas of Queensland," Rio Tinto Energy CEO Doug Ritchie said.

"We note many other companies have pledged their financial support to flood victims, and hope that our donation will continue to encourage others to dig deep and assist during this time of need."

On December 29, Rio declared force majeure at all four of its Queensland coal mines, including Kestrel near Emerald.

The company had already made a $10,000 Christmas donation to the State Emergency Service and said it would continue to provide direct assistance to the service during the relief and recovery effort.

Kestrel general manager operations John Coughlan said that after the mine was suspended, employees began helping out around the community.

"We flew in 10,000 sandbags and additional rolls of black plastic last week when Emerald ran out of supplies, and our employees worked throughout Thursday night continuing to sandbag and seal buildings, including the Avalon nursing home where 100 aged people live and could not be moved,” he said.

Macarthur Coal was forced to declare force majeure way back on December 3 and has closed its South Brisbane office.

The company has contributed $250,000 to the appeal.

"This is just one of the ways we’ll be helping to support our neighbouring mining communities in central Queensland,” Macarthur chairman Keith De Lacy said.

Anglo American donated $100,000 and said employees would be able to donate through voluntary payroll reductions.

On December 30, the company said 328 people evacuated from Theodore were being sheltered in its Dawson mine camp, motels and other facilities at Moura.

“Anglo American is the largest employer in the region and a number of employees unable to get to work due to floodwaters have been volunteering their time to help the community,” Dawson mine acting general manager Andy McLeod said.

“Most of the people evacuated from Theodore left with just the clothes they were wearing so we are providing them with shelter and basic necessities, such as food, clothes and toiletries.”

Anglo says it has the capacity to house further evacuees.

Downer EDI, which has mining contracts in Queensland, donated $100,000.

Chinese-owned Minerals and Metals Group has also announced an $80,000 contribution.

MMG operates the Century zinc mine in North West Queensland, which has not been affected.

“These floods have certainly been devastating for many people living in Queensland and we understand that it is going to take some time for communities to rebuild,” MMG CEO Andrew Michelmore said.

“We realise that nothing can undo the damage caused, but we hope to offer some relief during this difficult time.

“Our thoughts go out to those impacted by this disaster and we hope for a speedy return to normality for the individuals, families and businesses across Queensland having to re-establish themselves.”

Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel has chipped in $50,000, while junior explorers Australian Pacific Coal and Stanmore Coal have each contributed $10,000.