Leighton signs Rio framework

Leighton Contractors is the latest firm to sign a framework agreement with Rio Tinto, as the mining giant pushes towards its target of exporting 353 million tonnes of iron ore per year by 2015.

Leighton announced today it had signed five-year deals covering earthworks projects and structural, mechanical and piping works as part of the expansion.

"The framework agreements will deliver the earthworks contracts for the eastern stream of Rio Tinto's expansion, which covers the Hope Downs 4 mine, Marandoo mine, Yandicoogina mine and Koodaideri mine," Leighton said in a statement.

"Additionally, the framework agreements includes SMP work in the western stream of Rio Tinto's expansion, which covers Brockman 4 mine phase two, Western Turner Syncline mine, Brockman 4 mine phase three and Nammuldi mine."

The deal follow announcements by Rio Tinto that NRW Holdings, Monadelphous Engineering, Southern Cross Electrical Engineering and Decmil Group had signed similar agreements.