Rio Tinto says rains hit Australia coal operations

PERTH Dec 13 （Reuters） - Global miner Rio Tinto said Monday that heavy rain in central Queensland on Friday and Saturday has continued to impact its coal mining operations in Australia.

The mines impacted are Clermont, Blair Athol, and Hail Creek, a Rio spokesman said in an emailed statement on Monday.

As of Monday morning, the company has re-established access to the majority of operating pits and rail lines have re-started, the spokesman said.  （Reporting by Rebekah Kebede; Editing by Ed Davies）