Fortescue is appealing against a native title ruling covering the area on which its $110 billion Solomon Hub iron ore mine sits.

The federal court recognised the Yindjibarndi people as having exclusive rights to more than 2,700 sq km of Pilbara land in July, with justice Steven Rares travelling to the Millstream Chichester national park in November to make a final determination.

But Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group has now lodged a notice of appeal against the judgment, keeping the long-running native title dispute alive.

The native title claim was first lodged in 2003.

Fortescue had previously believed that the court decision would not affect its mining tenure at the Solomon Hub.

FMG chief Nev Power says the company continues to welcome recognition of Yindjibarndi native title.

“However, the federal court decision relating to the concept of exclusive possession has potentially wide-ranging implications for new investment in resources, agriculture and tourism,” he said. 

Mr Power said the company provides employment for Aboriginal people, and so ensures that communities benefit from the growth of Fortescue.

Fortescue is appealing against a native title ruling covering the area on which its $110 billion Solomon Hub iron ore mine sits.

The federal court recognised the Yindjibarndi people as having exclusive rights to more than 2,700 sq km of Pilbara land in July, with justice Steven Rares travelling to the Millstream Chichester national park in November to make a final determination.

But Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group has now lodged a notice of appeal against the judgment, keeping the long-running native title dispute alive.

The native title claim was first lodged in 2003.

Fortescue had previously believed that the court decision would not affect its mining tenure at the Solomon Hub.

FMG chief Nev Power says the company continues to welcome recognition of Yindjibarndi native title.

“However, the federal court decision relating to the concept of exclusive possession has potentially wide-ranging implications for new investment in resources, agriculture and tourism,” he said.

Mr Power said the company provides employment for Aboriginal people, and so ensures that communities benefit from the growth of Fortescue.