The rough 2007-08 storm season caused plenty of havoc, with premium coking coal prices surging to $US300 a tonne as a consequence.

Ensham Resources was dealt a cruel blow in particular, as its submerged 3000t Bucyrus 8050 dragline became a symbol of the devastating floods.

The mine has since implemented various flood mitigation measures, but there are fears that the rest of the industry might not be sufficiently prepared.

While open pits can start turning into dams during flash flooding events, the inspectorate detailed what can go wrong underground in a safety alert this week.

“Underground mine operations may be inundated by flash flooding, and lightning strikes may disrupt computer-based control and communication systems, as well as transfer electrical energy to underground workings,” the alert said.

The inspectorate also provided sample check sheets of possible preparations for severe weather events, with these targeting all mine operators, site senior executives, contractors and service providers.

While the weather might be the work of the gods, mine operators also face legal requirements to prepare for the worst.

“Queensland mining safety and health legislation requires a risk assessment to identify potential emergency situations caused by severe weather events,” the inspectorate said.

“The site senior executive must ensure the mine’s risk management process caters for such foreseeable emergency situations.

“In short, the SSE must ensure adequate resources, facilities and procedures are available to implement and maintain an effective management program before, during and after a storm event.

“Risks from severe weather events must be maintained at an acceptable level.”

Some measures to take are to check backup power systems; prepare shutdown and tie-down procedures for surface infrastructure; check containment dams, levies and weirs; and check the integrity of mine communication systems.

But given the huge range of what can go wrong, and that the alert was also issued to non-coal mines and quarries, the inspectorate warned the “sample” check sheets it provided might not cover site-specific severe weather hazards.

Queensland might be facing the worst storm season in years based on longer term weather predictions.

But there has been a lot of unseasonal wet weather in the state over the previous months, raising concerns that mines might be less prepared for the official wet season which starts this month and continues through to April.

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance closed its Norwich Park mine after a dozer drove into a pit of water last Friday.

The mine reopened on Monday night, but a BMA spokesperson told ILN that operations at the site had also been affected by wet weather, as a “separate and unrelated” issue.

Incidentally, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Central Highlands and Coalfields region this morning.

Possible thunderstorms south of Clermont are forecast for tomorrow.