Court may step in on BHP claim

THE Australian Human Rights Commission may intervene in legal action against mining giant BHP Billiton launched by an Aboriginal group opposed to a huge mining claim in their traditional tribal lands. BHP Billiton wants a mining lease over a 200-square kilometre chunk of Aboriginal land in the heart of the Pilbara, 1000 kilometres north of Perth. The disputed land includes part of the spectacular Hamersley Range, a sacred place for local Aboriginal people. It contains iron ore deposits potentially worth billions of dollars. Most of Australia’s iron ore resources are in the Pilbara, with exports worth about $16 billion last year. Under WA law, even legally defined Aboriginal traditional owners have no right to refuse miners access to their country. The Martidja Banyima people want the state Mining Warden’s Court to hear their objections to the BHP Billiton claim, arguing that vital public interests, human rights and environmental issues are at stake. In a letter to the Martidja Banyima’s lawyers, Human Rights Commission president Catherine Branson has said human rights are a legitimate factor for the warden to consider in deciding if he will hear the case. source:www.theage.com.au