Fortescue Ltd. has been ordered by Australia’s federal court to pay A$150 million (about US$108 million) in damages to the Yindjibarndi traditional owners, following findings tied to its Solomon Hub iron ore project. The court rules that Fortescue operated on the group’s land without the required consent, and that the project caused cultural harm, including alleged impacts such as the destruction of heritage sites. The payout is described across reports as the largest compensation amount in Australia’s native title history. Reports also say the mine’s operations have been ongoing since 2013 and have generated substantial revenue for the company.
While the decision is framed as a major outcome under native title law, some parties question whether the compensation adequately reflects the losses. ABC reports that criticism exists that the amount is “too little.” In a separate development also reported by The Guardian, the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation says it is considering an appeal, describing the ruling as “unsatisfactory” and indicating it does not cover cultural and financial harms alleged to have occurred since mining began. The court order also includes an additional A$100,000 for economic losses, according to reporting.
