One company, 29Metals, which operates the Capricorn Copper mine north of Mt Isa said all its production and non-essential activity was suspended after it was hit by about 370mm of rain over the past week, including 200mm in one day.

The issues for mines was not just the shutdown of production, but also the problem of how to deal with the water retained on the site and when it can be released.

Another issue is investor confidence. Shares in 29Metals dived 17 per cent on the announcement.

“The extremely high rainfall on the evening of March 7 is expected to result in an extended loss to the site by road, impacting deliveries to the site of production consumables,” the company said.

It said there had been a substantial increase in the volume of water held on the site, which had been a longstanding problem for Capricorn.

Rain extends from the border with the Northern Territory down to Rockhampton. Burketown recorded its highest daily rainfall in eight years of 173mm and there is an expectation it could dump heavy falls as far south as Noosa.

“29Metals is also engaging with the Queensland Department of Environment and Science regarding the impact of the extreme rainfall being experienced,” the company said.

The company said it was difficult to predict the likely duration of the suspension of mine production.

The Century mine was hit with 100mm last weekend and another 456mm since the start of March and has suspended operations.

“Production will not recommence until the weather and safe access to the production areas can be re-established. The safety and well-being of our employees and business partners remains paramount.”

Flooding in the Gulf country this week. (Image:QFES)

Glencore said its operations at Mount Isa Mines and Lady Loretta Mine had minor disruptions from the significant rainfall and flooding conditions occurring in the region.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli said he spoken with the mayors of Burke, Doomadgee and Carpentaria.

“Evacuations are taking place and we are hearing reports of homes and businesses impacted by flood waters,” he said.

“There are also serious issues with livestock and fuel supplies.

“These communities are strong and resilient but right now they are being tested.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has a flood watch for the Gulf Country and parts of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers.  There is a major flood warning for the lower Flinders River and a minor flood warning for the Cloncurry River.

Major flood warnings are also in place for the Nicholson River. A flood warning was also issued for the Gregory and Leichhardt rivers.

Metro Mines, which operates a bauxite mine in the far north, announced it was remobilising its workforce to the mine and expected to start mining on March 23.

Glencore, whose Mt Isa operations are in the path of the rain belt, does not yet appear to be affected.