The most publicised decision was last Thursday's ruling that
the Yindjibarndi People hold exclusive native title rights and
interests over reserved land and unallocated Crown land
(Claim Area). The claim area includes land on
which part of FMG's Solomon Hub mine and other companies'
exploration interests are located (Warrie (formerly TJ)
(on behalf of the Yindjibarndi People) v State of
Western Australia [2017] FCA 803 (Yindjibarndi 2017
decision)).
Western Australia's Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Ben Wyatt,
said that he "warmly congratulated" the Yindjibarndi
people who had "won today in the face of not insignificant
obstacles over many years".
The decision follows years of disputes between the Yindjibarndi
People and FMG after they failed to reach agreement on payments.
FMG subsequently commenced negotiations with a sub-group of the
Yindjibarndi People (the Wirlu-murra Aboriginal Corporation). The
Federal Court heard evidence in 2015 that FMG had covertly
