A Leighton Holdings subsidiary has been named preferred contractor for the Fortescue Metals Group-owned Solomon iron ore project in WA's Pilbara region.
Leighton Contractors and Fortescue had reached agreement "within a limited notice to proceed (LNP)" to continue negotiations over a five-year mining and operations contract, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
It gave no details on the contract's value.
Fortescue was due to make a decision on the contract in June, the statement said.
"The LNP also provides for pre-mobilisation activities and early services for the project, including works for operational readiness and full mine management."
Solomon is approximately 60km north of Tom Price and forms part of the Solomon Hub, part of Fortescue's expansion plan targeting 155 million tonnes per annum in 2013.
