Thiess awarded major Coal Contract for Hunter Valley Coal Corporation Pty Limited in NSW

Issue Date:  16 March 2004
Issued By:  Leighton Holdings Limited

Company Announcements Office
The Australian Stock Exchange Limited
Level 4
20 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Re: Thiess awarded major Coal Contract for Hunter Valley Coal Corporation Pty Limited in NSW

Dear Sir,

Please find attached a copy of a media release to be issued today by Thiess Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings Limited

Yours sincerely,


A.J. MOIR
Company Secretary

Thiess awarded major Coal Contract for Hunter Valley Coal Corporation Pty Limited in NSW

Issue Date: 16 March 2004
Issued by: Thiess Pty Ltd

Thiess Pty Ltd has been awarded a $227 million contract by Xstrata Plc subsidiary Hunter Valley Coal Corporation Pty Limited (HVCC) to operate the Ravensworth East Mine located adjacent to the Mt Owen Mine, situated midway between Muswellbrook and Singleton in NSW. Thiess has operated the Mt Owen Mine since 1996.

This new contract takes advantage of the synergies realised by the close proximity of the Ravensworth East lease to the Mt Owen Mine and maximises the value in both projects.  Following the recent award of a contract with Excel Coal Ltd to develop and operate the Wilpinjong Mine, near Mudgee, commencing 2007, it builds further on Thiess’ strong presence in the resources sector across Australia.

Thiess’ General Manager for NSW/ACT, Mr Rob Stewart said that Thiess was delighted to be awarded this contract, as it continues a long term and effective relationship with HVCC and Xstrata.

“We will continue to work closely with HVCC and Xstrata, to explore ways to build further value into all of their mining operations. The award of the Ravensworth East Mine to Thiess is a clear outcome of this process, adding value to both our organisations,” said Mr Stewart.

Thiess’ contract will involve mining, coal beneficiation, stockpiling and loading of coal for both domestic & export markets. The contract is for a minimum 3 years and up to 10 years depending on future supply contracts to Macquarie Generation. Planned total production level is set at 1.2 million tonnes per annum, with 600,000 tonnes per annum contracted to Macquarie Generation and the remainder to be sold to the export market.

Ends.

For further information contact:
Rob Stewart              
General Manager,
NSW/ACT
02 9332-9444

Dudley Isles
Business Development and Technical Manager
02 9332-9416