Iron-ore magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest is fighting attempts to exploit the mineral wealth under his own cattle station in the Pilbara.

Mr Forrest, 51, founder and executive chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, is suing to block attempts to search for uranium on his Minderoo Station and last month failed in an attempt to halt sand mining on the property.

'Seeking dictatorial power,' a warden says of Andrew Forrest's conditions for sand mining on his property. Credit:Penny Bradfield

Minderoo was established in 1878 by his great, great uncle, Sir John Forrest, first premier of Western Australia, and his brothers Alexander and David.

In his younger days, Mr Forrest worked as a jackaroo on the family property, but it was sold in 1998 to repay debts. He bought it back in 2009.