Pat Dodson calls for mining royal commission after reports of damage at Aboriginal sites

Traditional owners are upset and frustrated' after Fortescue Metals Group began land clearing at a significant site in the Pilbara without their involvement

Pat Dodson, Yawuru man and Labor senator for Western Australia, has said it may be time to consider a royal commission into mining in the Pilbara following a series of reports of damage at Aboriginal sites, and potential breaches of agreements.

Senator Dodson's comments came as Eastern Guruma traditional owners expressed their upset and complete frustration" at Fortescue Metals Group , which went ahead with land clearing at a site of significance to them without involving elders who wanted to be present to salvage cultural material.