Wild weather aftermath: mines open but coal chain still affected

The impact of wild weather experienced across the state earlier this week, in particular across the Hunter region, is still being felt. However, export coal deliveries should be operating as normal by the end of today.
 

Pictured: Devastation across the Hunter, as seen by Premier Mike Baird. Source: Mike Baird Office

Several Hunter Valley mines were forced to close this week due to heavy rain and cyclonic winds exceeding 130 kilometres per hour. Flooding on rail tracks and severe storm damage affected coal deliveries unable to reach the Port of Newcastle.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation says the reopening of the line later today remains dependent on improved weather conditions and receding flood water.

Glencore’s Hunter open cut mines were temporarily closed, as were operations at Peabody’s Wambo coal mine. Anglo American’s Drayton operations were disrupted but reopened fully yesterday morning.

BHP’s underground operations in the Illawarra and Rio Tinto’s Hunter operations luckily emerged unscathed and were able to continue operating throughout.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends of four Hunter residents who lost their lives as a result of the storms. A 86 year old lady from Maitland was swept away in flood waters, and three elderly Dungog residents also lost their lives.