Traditional owners in Western Australia are seeking over $1 billion in compensation for the Solomon Hub iron ore mine, but mining giant Fortescue Metals Group and the WA government argue their claim is worth less than $10 million. The dispute is currently being heard by Federal Court Justice Stephen Burley. The Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation is claiming $1.8 billion for economic, cultural, spiritual, and social losses due to mining operations since 2013 that were conducted without their consent. The WA government estimates it will receive more than $9 billion in royalties from mining this year, with a quarter of that coming from iron ore. Fortescue claims the traditional owners are not entitled to compensation for any alleged discord, arguing that disagreements between Yindjibarndi members and the mining company are not compensable under current legislation. The Yindjabarndi people were awarded exclusive native title rights to their land in 2017, and final submissions in the case are currently being made. A judgment is expected later this year.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/25/fortescue-wa-government-yindjibarndi-compensation-claim-pilbara-mine