Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners Vote to Appeal $150 Million Fortescue Penalty

Traditional owners of the Yindjibarndi people gathered in Roebourne and voted unanimously to appeal the Federal Court's record $150.3 million compensation against Fortescue, citing the need to protect their land for future generations. The court had ruled that Fortescue built and ran four iron-ore mines in the Pilbara without a legally required agreement, causing the loss of 240 sacred sites and the destruction of 124.

Justice Stephen Burley likened the cultural damage to the grief of a child's death. The Yinjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation must file the appeal by August 27, and the case could be heard by a full Federal Court bench, with the possibility of a High Court review. Fortescue, owned by mining magnate Andrew Forrest, paid the full sum within hours of the July 1 order and has expressed willingness to settle outside court. A cross-appeal by Fortescue or the state government could be lodged by September 9, though no hearing date has been set.