EXHIBIT 23(a)





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Layne Christensen Company on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 31, 2003 and
April 3, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Layne Christensen
Company for the year ended January 31, 2003.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Kansas City, Missouri
June 6, 2003