FMG'S LEGAL BATTLE WITH THE YINDJIBARNDI PEOPLE
* 2003 - Yindjibarndi launch claim for native title
* 2007 - Fortescue Metals Group begins exploration drilling on Yindjibarndi country in what will become the Solomon hub and bulldozes Ganyjingarringunha Jinbi, a freshwater spring
* 2008 - Fortescue and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) begin negotiations for Solomon mine hub
* 2009 - Negotiations fail between Fortescue and YAC which sought 0.5 per cent of all future royalties, the standard rate paid by major iron ore miners in the Pilbara
* 2009 - National Native Title Tribunal grants FMG two further mining leases for the Solomon Hub, after WA government agrees to conditions
* 2010 Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC) is formed, with financial backing from FMG
* 2011 - WMYAC holds a meeting in Roebourne, where they bus in Yindjibarndi people and pay them $500 each for attending. The meeting votes in favour of an agreement with FMG about developing Solomon
* 2013 - Fortescue begins mining at Firetail, part of the Solomon Hub, on Yindjibarndi land without agreement from YAC, the registered native title body
* 2017 - Federal Court grants Yindjibarndi exclusive native title over area where the Solomon mine is located. FMG appeals
* 2019 - Full bench of the Federal Court rejects Fortescue's appeal. FMG seeks leave to appeal in the High Court
* 2020 - High Court dismisses FMG's application
* 2023 - Hearings begin in case that will decide whether Yindjibarndi should receive compensation and, if so, who should pay.
© AAP 2023