Aquila said mining, coal washing and train loading had resumed at the Isaac Plains mine.

“While all equipment is in working order, resumption of full production rates will take some time while dewatering of the site is completed,” the company said.

“Force majeure remains in place on a number of sales contracts while this is completed.

“Continuity of the dewatering work and production remains subject to possible interruption if further significant rain events occur.”

The Baralaba mine on the southeastern arm of the Bowen Basin is considered to be the most flooded mine this wet season.

Cockatoo said the main pit was being dewatered and that Dawson River water levels had fallen to less than 6 metres, compared to the flood peak of 15.6m.

Mining could resume in February as dewatering creates access to exposed mining benches.

But a return to full production of around 150,000 tonnes a quarter could be several more weeks away.

As the mine has suffered from floodwaters before, Cockatoo plans to build a “1-in-1000-year flood levee” from February.

Cockatoo contracts out its mining operations and noted it had low fixed costs during the current mining hiatus.

The company added that its plans were subject to various factors, including mine access and availability of contracted mining equipment.

Up to 18 mines are seeking transitional environmental program approvals from the state government to pump out excess floodwater.

Cockatoo owns 62.5% of the small open cut mine while Japan’s JFE Steel owns 37.5%.

The Isaac Plains metallurgical and thermal coal mine is a 50:50 joint venture between Aquila and Vale.

Aquila shares are up 2c this morning to $9.87, while Cockatoo shares are up 1c to 51.5c.