Breaking: WA government to appeal $150m Andrew Forrest Fortescue native title payout

The WA government has announced it will appeal a $150.3 million native title compensation payout awarded to the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation by a Federal Court in a case involving mining magnate Andrew Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group. The court found Fortescue responsible for $150 million in cultural losses and $150,000 in economic losses, plus interest, due to the construction of four Pilbara iron ore mines without the Yindjibarndi's consent.

The Attorney General, Tony Buti, stated that the state government supports providing "proper compensation" for the impact of mining on the land. However, the specific grounds for the appeal are unclear. The dispute has dragged on for nearly two decades, with some Yindjibarndi Elders expressing disappointment that the awarded sum was lower than the billions of dollars Fortescue has made from its Solomon Hub mines built on Yindjibarndi land.

Fortescue and the government had previously attempted to reach a land use agreement, but no consensus was achieved. Yindjibarndi Group CEO Michael Woodley confirmed that the appeal was decided unanimously by the Aboriginal corporation. He noted that both Fortescue and the government had argued for lower compensation amounts in court. Mr. Woodley emphasized the government's responsibility to provide support and protection to the Yindjibarndi community from mining activities.