Despite attempts to reschedule deliveries, New Hope has declared force majeure on “a number” of export contracts as its key Acland mine remains isolated from rail.

“New Hope has been actively seeking to refine the estimated duration of rail system recovery; however, Queensland Rail have yet to provide an official update on the likely duration of the outage,” the company said.

“The latest indicative information suggests that rail capacity on the Western rail system may start to become available from mid-April 2011.”

Investigations have begun into possibly trucking coal from unaffected Acland stockpiles to the rail loop at its West Moreton operations.

“Meetings have been held with Queensland Transport seeking temporary approval to truck coal from Acland to West Moreton at a rate of up to 50,000 tonnes per week,” New Hope said.

“While initial discussions with Queensland Transport have been constructive, the company has yet to receive any formal approval in this regard, although a response is expected imminently.

“New Hope will provide the market with an estimated financial impact of the rail service disruptions upon receipt of reliable information regarding the duration of the infrastructure repairs and the quantum of coal which can be delivered via alternative transport options.”

Substantial flood damage to the Western rail system from Brisbane to Toowoomba included at least one bridge which had been partially washed away.

Landslips left debris on some sections, while ground underneath the track was swept away in other areas.

Peabody Energy’s Wilkie Creek mine and Syntech Resources’ Cameby Downs mine also need the Western rail line.

New Hope shares were down 3c to $4.90 this morning.