More than 20 ASX-listed and private mining contracting companies are vying to be part of Rex Minerals ’ planned $850 million Hillside copper project, with the company looking to take advantage of a costs downturn in the mining sector as it faces a crucial next 12 months in bringing the project to life.

Rex is hoping for final regulatory approval for the Hillside project on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula from the SA government by June, and then aims to have the financing bedded down by the end of calendar 2014.