Complex legal battle over Gina Rinehart mining billions returns to Perth supreme court

Mining magnate's children and former business partners of her father making claims on Hancock Prospecting's share in massive Hope Downs mining project

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A court battle over billions in iron ore riches is under way, as Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, defends her fortune amid a bitter legal dispute over her mining pioneer father's legacy.

Rinehart's two eldest children and former business partners of her late father, Lang Hancock, are fighting for multibillion-dollar stakes in a lucrative iron ore project that is half owned by Rio Tinto.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup