Leighton Mining general manager Steven Keyser said the company’s management of a similar project, the Broadmeadow longwall mine, was a key factor in winning the contract from Carborough Downs Coal Management. “Carborough Downs is our second major underground mining project in the region and the award of this contract recognises our track record and our commitment to expanding our underground operations,” he said.“This is an incredible opportunity to work with an internationally recognised and well respected mining company and we look forward to building on this relationship.”The new $401 million mine, located 15km east of Moranbah, is expected to start in the third quarter of 2009 aiming to produce an initial 1.2 million tonnes per annum from the longwall before ramping up to full production from the longwall of 4Mtpa-plus in later years.Vale owns 80% of Carborough Downs.