Ensham is preparing to drain water from two flooded pits and recover the stranded Marion 8050 dragline trapped in floodwaters last weekend.

About 20% of Ensham's workforce has returned to work and are operating two draglines and crushing and screening from parts of the 30km long mine not affected by flooding.

The remainder of the mine's workforce are on standby on full pay.

The largest dragline, a Bucyrus 8750-63, is expected to recommence work in the coming week.

"Coal shipments will start again soon - although initially this will take a little longer to re-establish and will be at subdued levels," Ensham general operations manager Peter Westerhuis said.

Planning is also underway to restore road access to the mine and internal ramps and haul roads to allow trucks to deliver coal to the Ensham rail head from the four unaffected pits.

"We have some clever people here. They are already devising an alternative access road from the north. They are discussing plans with Government to drain the river water out of the two flooded pits by constructing channels and by bringing in flood pumps similar to those used after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans," Westerhuis said.

A decision will be made on the future deployment of contractors to assist flood recovery and infrastructure repairs in the coming week.