Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has announced a $100 million contract with Rio Tinto as part of its Cape Lambert port expansion.

Under the deal which was announced late yesterday, SCEE will construct a new port facility at Cape Lambert, including train loading infrastructure, a stockyard and new shiploading facilities.

The contract comes under SCEE's framework agreement with Rio Tinto, announced in September last year.

"Rio Tinto is a core client for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering and we are very pleased to be awarded the Cape Lambert port B scope," managing director Simon High said.

Works will commence immediately and finish in September next year.

At close of trade today SCEE shares were up 0.8 per cent, trading at $1.23.