Fortescue Metals Group has paid $150.3 million in court-ordered compensation to the Yindjibarndi Indigenous community over the impact of its Solomon iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The payment was made within minutes of the Federal Court issuing updated orders on Wednesday.

The compensation follows a landmark May ruling in a native title case, where the court awarded the Yindjibarndi significantly less than the $1.8 billion they sought. Justice Burley’s decision included $150 million for cultural loss and a small sum in economic loss damages, adjusted on Wednesday to add $217,152 in compound interest to the previously awarded $136,757 for economic loss.

Fortescue, led by founder and executive chairman Andrew Forrest, said it had pursued a settlement for 15 years and was committed to ensuring the funds reached the Yindjibarndi community promptly to support elders, families, and future generations. Forrest emphasized the company's intent for swift payment following the updated court orders.

The case concerned the construction and operation of the Solomon mine on land recognized under native title by the Yindjibarndi. The community had rejected proposed land use agreements in an effort to protect sacred sites including rock shelters, burial grounds, and song lines, which were affected by the mining activities.

Fortescue had previously challenged court rulings affirming the Yindjibarndi’s native title rights and sought to bring one legal matter before the High Court, but was unsuccessful. During the recent proceedings, Fortescue argued that the Western Australian government should bear responsibility for any compensation liabilities, as it had approved the mining operations at Solomon.

The verdict was met with concern by the Western Australian Labor government, which had contended that compensation for cultural loss should range between $5 million and $10 million. Neither the government nor the Yindjibarndi community has ruled out appealing the decision. Reports indicate the state and its legal advisors worry the payout may set a precedent for future native title compensation claims, potentially affecting projects undertaken by government agencies even on freehold land.

As the Yindjibarndi community considers its options on appeal, the case highlights ongoing tensions between resource development, Indigenous land rights, and government liability in Australia’s mining regions.