WA elders say mining project on sacred site

23 Nov 2011, 7:24 pm   -   By: Shalailah Medhora
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An indigenous group from Western Australia is seeking an urgent intervention from the federal government against Fortescue Metals.

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An indigenous group from Western Australia is seeking urgent intervention from the federal government against Fortescue Metals.

The Yindjibarndi people say remains have been found on a mining site in the Pilbara, and failing to stop the project could have disastrous consequences.

Michael Woodley from the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation says the project could spell the end of their ancient culture.

"If we don't stand up for our rights and voice our opinion and protect what is sacredly ours, then unfortunately in this country in this day and age nobody will".

The traditional owners travelled from the Pilbara to Canberra to appeal to the Environment Minister to stop the Solomon mining project.

The Yinjibarndi people say remains have been found on their land, and claim Fortescue Metals pressured archaeologists who were assessing the mine.

"They are out there also telling the consultants to alter their reports so that heritage can be destroyed," Micheal Woodley said.

Fortescue strongly denies the allegations.

Environment Minister Tony Burke has invited Fortescue Metals to put forward its side of the story.

In a written statement, he said the government will take the time to consider the matters raised by the traditional owners and that in the interests of natural justice, he has offered a similar meeting to Fortescue.

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