Australian Indigenous-resource Developments: Martu People v Reward Minerals

In a recent decision, the National Native Title Tribunal of Australia has decided that a mining lease for a potash mine in Western Australia must not be granted because of its impact on indigenous people. The Attorney-General, on the application of the miner, declined to exercise a ‘national interest’ power under the Native Title Act to overrule that decision. This article examines the tribunal’s decision.