According to Leighton, HWE has been providing services at the mining major's Orebody 23/25 iron ore pits near Newman, in Western Australia's Pilbara, since 1998."Orebody 23/25 is key mining operation for BHP Billiton in the Pilbara, and HWE Mining has been the major mining services provider at the mine for over 10 years," Leighton Contractors resource division executive general manager Craig Laslett said."The contract extension at Orebody 23/25 will enable HWE Mining to continue providing a range of services at the mine, including specialist fixed plant maintenance and mining services that will support and add value to its future development."He said the contract extension was positive news for the 110 or so HWE employees who work at the mine, which operates continuously all year round, and the Pilbara community.