An Aboriginal group has filed a landmark claim for A$1.8 billion ($1.1 billion) against Western Australia, alleging the state allowed Fortescue Metals Group (FMG.AX) to mine iron ore without a land use agreement, court filings revealed on Wednesday.
The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC) claims operations at the Solomon mining hub have caused cultural and economic damages. The claim seeks A$1 billion for cultural harm and A$678 million for economic loss, as detailed in Federal Court documents.
The case could set a critical precedent, potentially enabling further claims for past damages. YNAC is suing the state, which may seek reimbursement from Fortescue, the world’s fourth-largest iron ore miner.
“Fortescue accepts that the Yindjibarndi People are entitled to compensation, however the parties disagree on the amount of that compensation,” Fortescue stated to Reuters.
The Western Australian government has argued that compensation for economic loss should total A$128,114, with interest of A$92,957, and cultural loss should be capped between A$5 million and A$10 million.
The court is hearing arguments this week, though a decision is unlikely until later this year.
In 2020, the destruction of Juukan Gorge rock shelters by Rio Tinto sparked global outrage, underscoring the issue of Indigenous heritage and mining. Experts say Fortescue’s Solomon mine has caused irreversible harm, destroying more than 285 archaeological sites and six Dreaming tracks, integral to Yindjibarndi culture.
In 2017, the Yindjibarndi group secured exclusive native title rights to land covering the Solomon mining hub, a project producing up to 80 million tonnes of iron ore annually since 2012. Fortescue, founded by billionaire Andrew Forrest, posted a net profit of $5.7 billion in the last financial year.
Source: Swifteradio.com
