FMG vs Yindjibarndi group - court ruling favours the mob

Feb 16, 2013, 10:56 AM

Traditional land owners in Western Australia's Pilbara region have won a a major battle against mining giant FMG with the Federal court ruling the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation is now the only group legally permitted to represent local stakeholders.

A breakaway Yindjibarndi group has moved to accept Fortescue Metals Group;s $4 million benefits package… which would allow the mining giant to develop the multi-billion dollar iron ore mine in but the court has overruled the powers of this group.

The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation Legal counsel George Irving says YAC now has the legal right to be the sole representative for the traditional owners…in a decision that cannot be overturned….leaving the breakaway group a lame duck in the negotiating process.

Michael Woodley CEO of the Yindiijbarndi Aborignal Corporation says while they are not against forming partnerships … they are against one which tells them how they are going to do things.

Source: CAAMA - Imterview with Paul Wiles

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