Latest news with #YNAC
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aboriginal group seeks $1.1bn in compensation from Western Australia
The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC) has filed a compensation claim against the state of Western Australia (WA), seeking A$1.8bn ($1.1bn) for damages to land and culture due to iron ore mining activities at the Solomon mining hub. WA is a major global supplier of iron ore, accounting for around half of the world's sea-borne supply. The claim includes A$1bn for cultural damage and A$678m for economic loss, according to the Federal Court of Australia filings. The case is significant as it could set a precedent for future claims related to past damages. The YNAC is targeting the state government for authorising the mining activities, which may lead to the state seeking reimbursement from Fortescue, the world's fourth-largest iron ore miner, reported Reuters. Fortescue has acknowledged the Yindjibarndi People's right to compensation but disagrees on the amount. "Fortescue accepts that the Yindjibarndi People are entitled to compensation, however, the parties disagree on the amount of that compensation," Fortescue mentioned in a statement to Reuters. The state government, in its final submission, argued that the total compensation for economic loss should be A$128,114 and A$92,957 in interest. It suggested that a fair award for cultural loss would be between A$5m and A$10m, which it believes reflects Australian community standards. The WA government department responsible for Aboriginal heritage has refrained from commenting due to the ongoing legal proceedings. YNAC has also declined to comment further. The Federal Court is currently hearing arguments, with a decision not expected until later in the year. Filings indicate that the Solomon mine has caused existential damage to the Yindjibarndi people by destroying more than 285 archaeological sites and six Dreaming tracks, crucial to Australia's understanding of human settlement dating back 40,000–45,000 years. In 2017, the Yindjibarndi group won exclusive native title rights over the land encompassing the Solomon mining hub, which began operations in 2012 and has a capacity of up to 80 million tonnes of iron ore annually. Native titles recognise indigenous rights to land in Australia. This case follows the 2020 destruction of Juukan Gorge rock shelters by Rio Tinto, which caused international outrage and led to executive resignations. "Aboriginal group seeks $1.1bn in compensation from Western Australia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aboriginal group seeks $1.1 billion from Western Australia in iron ore claim
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - An Aboriginal group is seeking A$1.8 billion ($1.1 billion) from Western Australia in compensation after the state government allowed Fortescue to mine for iron ore without a land use deal, court filings showed on Wednesday. The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC) says activity at the Solomon mining hub has damaged its land and people. Its claim includes A$1 billion for cultural damage and A$678 million for economic loss, filings to the Federal Court of Australia showed. The case is set to be a landmark not only for the amount of compensation claimed but also because any precedent could open the door to other claims for past damage. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The YNAC is suing the state because it authorised the mining. The state is then expected to try and recoup losses by suing Fortescue, the world's fourth biggest miner of iron ore. "Fortescue accepts that the Yindjibarndi People are entitled to compensation, however the parties disagree on the amount of that compensation," Fortescue said in a statement to Reuters. The Western Australian premier and justice department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. YNAC declined to make additional comment. The court is hearing arguments this week with a decision not expected until late this year. Western Australia accounts for around half of the world's sea borne supply of the steel-making ingredient. In 2020, the destruction of the culturally and historically important Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara region by Rio Tinto triggered a global outcry and the departure of its CEO and chairman. Experts quoted in the filings say the Solomon mine has caused existential damage to the Yindjibarndi people, by destroying aspects of their land and culture. The mine has damaged more than 285 significant archaeological sites and six Dreaming or creation story tracks, that form part of Australia's understanding of human settlement in its arid regions around 40,000-45,000 years ago, the report said. "The significant harm to country, people and Dreamings remains ongoing," the report said. The Yindjibarndi group in 2017 won exclusive native title rights over land covering the Solomon mining hub, a vast mineral-rich project that started in 2012 and is capable of yielding up to 80 million tonnes of iron ore a year. Native title is a legal doctrine in Australia that recognises Indigenous rights to certain parcels of land. Fortescue's founder Andrew Forrest is one of Australia's wealthiest people. The miner logged net profit after tax of $5.7 billion last financial year. ($1 = 1.5760 Australian dollars)
Reuters
19-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Aboriginal group seeks $1.1 bln from Western Australia in iron ore claim
MELBOURNE, Feb 19 (Reuters) - An Aboriginal group is seeking A$1.8 billion ($1.1 billion) from Western Australia in compensation after the state government allowed Fortescue ( opens new tab to mine for iron ore without a land use deal, court filings showed on Wednesday. The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC) says activity at the Solomon mining hub has damaged its land and people. Its claim includes A$1 billion for cultural damage and A$678 million for economic loss, filings to the Federal Court of Australia showed. The case is set to be a landmark not only for the amount of compensation claimed but also because any precedent could open the door to other claims for past damage. The YNAC is suing the state because it authorised the mining. The state is then expected to try and recoup losses by suing Fortescue, the world's fourth biggest miner of iron ore. "Fortescue accepts that the Yindjibarndi People are entitled to compensation, however the parties disagree on the amount of that compensation," Fortescue said in a statement to Reuters. The Western Australian premier and justice department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. YNAC declined to make additional comment. The court is hearing arguments this week with a decision not expected until late this year. Western Australia accounts for around half of the world's sea borne supply of the steel-making ingredient. In 2020, the destruction of the culturally and historically important Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara region by Rio Tinto ( opens new tab triggered a global outcry and the departure of its CEO and chairman. Experts quoted in the filings say the Solomon mine has caused existential damage to the Yindjibarndi people, by destroying aspects of their land and culture. The mine has damaged more than 285 significant archaeological sites and six Dreaming or creation story tracks, that form part of Australia's understanding of human settlement in its arid regions around 40,000-45,000 years ago, the report said. "The significant harm to country, people and Dreamings remains ongoing," the report said. The Yindjibarndi group in 2017 won exclusive native title rights over land covering the Solomon mining hub, a vast mineral-rich project that started in 2012 and is capable of yielding up to 80 million tonnes of iron ore a year. Native title is a legal doctrine in Australia that recognises Indigenous rights to certain parcels of land. Fortescue's founder Andrew Forrest is one of Australia's wealthiest people. The miner logged net profit after tax of $5.7 billion last financial year.
