Year

2016

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy

Department

School of Accounting, Economics and Finance

Abstract

The mining industry plays an important role in the economic and social development in Australia. In particular, the revenues from iron ore extraction and export are a significant contributor to the wealth of corporations and governments in the form of revenue. However, these mining activities are controversial as the mineral deposits are often located on land occupied by traditional or Indigenous owners. This thesis investigates the land right issues concerning the Solomon Hub Project by Fortescue Mining Group (Fortescue) in the Pilbara region, in North -Western Australia and its impact on the Yindjibarndi community. The research explores the discharge of accountability to Indigenous communities for the use of traditional land use and explores the concept of land within the context of ongoing colonial practices.

To investigate contemporary forms of colonial practices, a postcolonial framework was used to analyse publicly available accountability documents. These included: annual reports from Fortescue and the native title holders for the Indigenous community, Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC); Public Environmental Reports (PER); media releases; and, legislation and case law. Themes associated with postcolonialism such as land and tenure, profit and resource allocation, the role of the State, social and environment issues; and divide and conquer were identified and structure the analysis.

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.