The work will include the structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation works, which are being designed and supplied by the project’s lead contractor Samsung C&T.

Work is expected to begin onsite in July and generate up to 1000 jobs for about 14 months.

Thiess managing director Bruce Munro said the contract signalled a new relationship with Samsung.

“Thiess has established an industry-leading capability in SMPEI in the coal mining and CSG-LNG sectors and we’re proud to further progress that capability with Samsung C&T in iron ore,” Munro said.

“We also have a long association with iron ore projects in the Pilbara and this contract represents a continuation with a new client.”

The contract signifies growing momentum at Hancock Prospecting’s $10 billion project 280km south of Port Hedland, where earlier this month the first official laying of rail track was reported.

The operation is expected to involve 344km of heavy-haul railway from mine to port.

Other recent milestones included first ore being mined at the site and a $200 million contract to NRW Holdings for infrastructure construction.

Shares in Thiess parent company Leighton Holdings were last trading 2.7% higher at $20.29.