COAL exports worth as much as $750 million will be lost because of the Queensland floods, with full production not likely to return to some mines until the end of the year. With equipment and infrastructure losses added, the coal industry is expected to face a flood bill of more than $1 billion. Four major coal exporters have been forced to declare force majeure on export contracts, releasing buyers from contractual obligations. Merrill Lynch analyst Tom Price said discussions with coal companies...

