MEDIA RELEASE Leighton awarded A$110 million contracts in the...

MEDIA RELEASE Leighton awarded A$110 million contracts in the Philippines
19 July 2004 Leighton Contractors (Philippines) Inc. has been awarded two contracts worth a total of A$110 million (US$77 million) for infrastructure construction and mining technical services at the Rapu Rapu polymetallic mine in the Philippines. Under the infrastructure contract, Leighton will be responsible for the design and construction of the gold and base metals processing plants, concentrate loading facilities, a load-out jetty, staff accommodation, offices and access roads. Leighton will also construct the tailings storage facility and undertake the mine pre-strip before commencing mining operations. Construction of the mine infrastructure will commence this month and is due for completion by mid-2005. Mining operations will commence before the end of this year and continue for six years. The mine will produce a mixture of gold, silver, zinc and copper over the six year period. Managing Director of Leighton Asia (Northern), Mr Will Hamilton, said the new contract represented further good news for the company following the award last month of the A$360 million (US$250 million) Wynn's Casino project in Macau. "We continue to demonstrate our ability to secure large-scale projects even when opportunities are somewhat limited," Mr Hamilton said. "The contract provides our Philippines operation with a substantial boost and ensures that the country will remain an important market for us," he said. ..../2