Downer EDI wins $80m Rio contract

Downer EDI has been awarded an $80 million contract for electrical work at Rio Tinto's Yandicoogina iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

The mine, located about 100 kilometres north-west of Newman, is operated by Rio subsidiary Hamersley Iron.

Downer will undertake the electrical and instrumentation component of new process infrastructure at the project's Junction South West and Junction South East mines, as well as upgrades to existing facilities and stockyards.

Work will commence on site early next year and is expected to be completed in March 2015.

Downer chief executive Grant Fenn said the company was pleased to build on its strong relationship with Rio Tinto.

Downer shares were 0.5 per cent higher at $4.59 at 10:27am WST.