Fortescue joins two opponents in appealing record $150 million native title payout
Fortescue Metals Group has filed a cross-appeal against a Federal Court order to pay $150.3 million to the Yindjibarndi people, joining appeals from the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian government.
A Federal Court judgment awarded $150.3 million to the Yindjibarndi people for the construction of four Fortescue iron-ore mines on their native title land in the Pilbara, citing destruction of 124 sacred sites and water-resource impacts. Fortescue paid the full sum within a day but immediately filed a cross-appeal, claiming the decision contains inconsistencies with existing law and that the cultural loss award is disproportionate.
The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian government have also lodged separate appeals, each challenging different aspects of the ruling. Fortescue’s spokesperson said the appeals aim to protect the company’s legal position and seek clarity on the judgment. Justice Stephen Burley had also ordered $150,000 for economic loss plus interest. A court date for any of the appeals has not yet been scheduled.
Why it matters
The case could reshape compensation standards for Indigenous cultural loss in Australia’s mining sector.
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