Statement on the Federal Court's decision in the Yindjibarndi compensation claim

Attributed to a Fortescue spokesperson:

Fortescue advises that the Federal Court has delivered its decision in relation to the Native Title Compensation Claim commenced by the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation in 2022.

The Federal Court determined that Fortescue is liable to pay compensation to the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.

The total amount for economic loss is anticipated to be in the vicinity of A$100,000 plus interest and the total amount for cultural loss is A$150 million. 

The Federal Court will publish the reasons for its decision at a later date. Fortescue will review those reasons once published.

Dr Andrew Forrest and Fortescue care deeply about all First Nations people, including the Yindjibarndi community. Fortescue accepts that the Yindjibarndi People are entitled to compensation. The Company has agreed to and pays financial compensation under all of its other seven native title agreements. 

Fortescue has strong relationships with the First Nations people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with dedicated Heritage, Native Title and Community teams working hand in hand with Traditional Custodians to ensure cultural heritage is managed sustainably and responsibly.