This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

A 15-year native title battle in Western Australia has ended with the federal court recognising the cultural rights of the Indigenous population to land they describe as the "engine room" of iron ore operations.

The Banjima people of the central Pilbara first made the native title claim over about 10,200 sq km of land in 1998 but were unable to reach an agreement with the government of Western Australia. The land takes in areas near the Karijini national park. Banjima country currently extends between Newman and Tom Price.

The new area in which the federal court has recognised cultural rights includes BHP's Pilbara iron ore operations as well as project areas for Rio Tinto, Hancock Prospecting and Fortescue Metals Group.

The WA government negotiated with the Banjima people over the land from 1998 to 2011, but the two groups were unable to reach agreement.

Banjima elder Alec Tucker said the win meant his people's culture, heritage and connection to their ancestors had been formally recognised under Australian law.

"This is a joyful day for us. We've been looking forward to this for a long time," he said. "We've been waiting for so long. We know its Banjima country, it's my grandfather's country, my father's country, I think the old people would be happy about today."

The chief executive of Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporations, Simon Hawkins, said it was disappointing to see one of the strongest cultural groups in the Pilbara forced into court by its own government.

"The strength of the evidence was overwhelming; there was no need to put the elders and community through this," he said.

"The WA state government needs to catch up with the rest of Australia, stop waging expensive legal battles and take a more collaborative approach."

The Banjima people plan to hold celebrations at a later date.