Western Australia to challenge $150 million native title award against Fortescue
The Western Australian government said it will appeal a Federal Court decision that ordered Fortescue, owned by Andrew Forrest, to pay $150.3 million in native-title compensation.
Fortescue Metals Group, led by mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest, faces a fresh legal challenge after a Federal Court ordered the company to pay $150.3 million in native-title compensation. The judgment stemmed from the construction of four iron-ore mines in the Pilbara region without approval from the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation, resulting in $150 million for cultural loss and $150,000 for economic loss, plus interest.
Both the native-title claimants and the Western Australian government have indicated they will appeal the decision. Attorney General Tony Buti affirmed the state's backing of “proper compensation” for the mining impact, while noting the matter is still before the courts and refraining from further comment. The appeal adds another chapter to a long-running dispute between the corporation and the Aboriginal group.
Why it matters
The case could reshape compensation standards for mining on Indigenous lands in Australia.
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