Yindjibarndi Group and Western Australia Appeal Fortescue Payout

The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation and the government of Western Australia have both lodged appeals against a Federal Court of Australia ruling regarding compensation for mining activities in the Pilbara region. In May, the court ordered mining company Fortescue to pay A$150.3 million for cultural and economic losses after finding the company built four iron ore mines without the group's permission, destroying 124 of 240 designated heritage sites.

The Yindjibarndi people, who voted unanimously in July to appeal, argue the award is insufficient. They are seeking A$1 billion for cultural loss and over A$800 million in economic loss, contending that compensation should be based on typical iron ore royalty payments rather than land value. They are also seeking damages for social division within their community.

Simultaneously, the Western Australian government announced its own appeal. Attorney-General Tony Buti stated that while the government supports the Yindjibarndi receiving compensation, the legal challenge is necessary to establish clarity for future native title settlements across the state.