Mr Cripps said floodwaters in the 2010-11 wet season saw many Queensland mines brought to a standstill with destructive winds and heavy rain causing damage to surface structures, site flooding and dangerous conditions for workers.

An Xstrata Mount Isa Mines representative said their operation undertook wet weather preparation months before wet season began and utilised the Department of Natural Resources and Mining's checklist.

The spokesperson said the company's emergency response plan had been activated on a number of occasions since Xstrata overtook Mount Isa Mines in 2004, namely during Cyclone Yasi early last year.

During the cyclone's threat, the mine's crisis team was activated and operations were shut down with employees sent home to be with family and friends. "Mine operators and workers need to be aware of any potential hazards that could occur and make preparations to deal with severe weather," Mr Cripps said.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines has issued a Safety Bulletin to all industry operators to help them plan for the wet season.

"This safety bulletin contains a checklist of actions industry operators need to take before a severe weather event and during recovery operations," Mr Cripps said. "Queensland laws require all mining resource operations to have appropriate site safety and health management plans in place.

"They must have adequate resources, facilities and procedures in place to maintain effective management before, during and after a severe weather event. For example, they must have a process for identifying and warning anyone who could be affected by severe weather events and a system for moving people to safety, and have an adequate emergency response and rescue plan in place.

"They must also identify any potential hazards on site and secure machinery, equipment and infrastructure and make it safe prior to a severe weather event."