New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX:NHC) says its Queensland coal mines are back in operation, though the state's floods have inflicted significant damage to a major rail link.

The coal producer on Tuesday last week suspended all operations at its coal mines in Queensland because of the severe weather conditions.

New Hope has now reported work had resumed at the Jeebropilly and New Oakleigh open cut coal mines in the West Moreland area, and at its New Acland open cut coal operation in the Darling Downs region after water and flood management systems minimised the impact of the rains.

However, there had been significant damage to the Western Rail System infrastructure that links the New Acland mine to the Port of Brisbane. Repair work is expected to take between six to eight weeks before railing from the mine can resume.

"Alternative operations and transport plans are now being developed," New Hope said.

In the past six weeks, Australia’s floods, which represents the biggest natural disaster in economic terms to hit Australia, have ruined homes, wasted crops, closed mines and killed at least 28 people.