Thiess receive letter of intent for WMC’s Mt Keith Operation in WA

Issue Date:  13 December 2002
Issued By:  Leighton Holdings Limited

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

Dear Sir

Thiess receive letter of intent for WMC’s Mt Keith Operation in WA

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 faithfully
LEIGHTON HOLDINGS LIMITED


A.J. MOIR
Company Secretary

Mt Keith Operation, Western Australia

Issue Date: 13 December 2002
Issued by: Thiess Pty Ltd

Thiess Pty Ltd has been advised by WMC Resources Ltd of its intention to enter into an Alliance with Thiess for mining at Mt Keith Operation (MKO), an open-cut nickel mine in Western Australia.   

To commence on 1 March 2003, the 3 year Alliance has an expected value in excess of $250m. The work will further diversify Thiess’ mining business and strengthen its position in the metalliferous sector.

Thiess’ Managing Director, Roger Trundle said, “We’re very pleased to continue the strong relationship Thiess has enjoyed over many years with WMC Resources.

“We look forward to commencing operations at MKO and believe the Alliance will provide best possible outcomes for this project,” he said.

The Alliance will provide an innovative, flexible arrangement that aligns the interests of WMC Resources and Thiess under a set of common objectives - consistent with the core values of both organizations including safety and environmental management - and facilitating delivery of the greatest value for MKO.

It is expected that over 70 million bcms of ore and overburden will be removed over 3 year period.

Ends.    
Released by Thiess Pty Ltd - ABN 87 010 221 486

For further information contact:
Mr David McLachlan
Executive Manager Corporate Affairs
Thiess Pty Ltd
Tel: (07) 3002 9603
Mob: 0404 891 711