600 jobs generated with Leighton contract win

Around 600 mining jobs will be generated with Leighton’s most recent contract award.

The $1.5 billion full service contract in the Pilbara will see Leighton provide mining services at Fortescue Metal’s Fire iron ore deposit.

Leighton’s mining division will provide whole of mine management at the site, including operating and maintaining the open cut mining fleet, ore handling plants, and associated infrastructure.

It will aid Fortescue in producing around 20 million tonnes of iron ore per annum from Firetail, which forms part of the wider Solomon Hub, located approximately 60km north of Tom Price.

Leighton will be operational this month, with the contract expected to run for five years, with a two year extension option.

What is Leighton Contractors providing at Firetail?

Leighton Contractors will commence mining and operations at Firetail in September 2012 and deliver a full service contract and whole-of-mine management.

It will operate and maintain the open cut mining fleet, ore handling plants and associated infrastructure to support a 20 million tonne per annum operation.

Ancillary services, including aerodrome and camp management, will also be provided.

Where is Firetail? How much iron ore will it produce each year?

The Firetail deposit is located approximately 60km north of Tom Price and forms part of the ‘Solomon Hub’.  Construction of the Solomon Hub began in mid-2011. More than three billion tonnes of high grade ore have been discovered so far at the Solomon Hub, which will initially produce 20 million tonnes of ore each year from the Firetail deposit.

How many people will work at Firetail for Leighton Contractors?

Initially, around 600 mining jobs will be created on site at Firetail for Leighton Contractors.

Will Leighton Contractors employ Fortescue workers who have recently lost their jobs?

All Leighton Contractors employees are recruited based on merit. Any candidates interested in job vacancies may apply through their standard recruitment processes.

Will Leighton Contractors fly-in and fly-out its workers to Firetail or will there be opportunities for local and regional employment?

The majority of people employed by Leighton Contractors at Firetail will be in fly-in, fly-out roles. However, Leighton Contractors has joined with Fortescue in a commitment to the development of a regionally-based workforce and providing local people with employment opportunities.