The Wire

Earlier this year Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group or FMG, was granted an exploration license in the Pilbara in Australia’s mineral rich northwest. Native title is held by the Yindjibarndi people – and the exploration area contains a number of verified sacred sites. The license was granted to FMG on the basis that sacred sites are protected by local heritage legislation. Now the Yindjibarndi people are saying those sites are being destroyed.

They held a peaceful vigil outside FMG’s AGM in Perth this morning, after a request by CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal corporation, Michael Woodley, to address the meeting was rejected by Mr Forrest.