Fortescue accused of withholding $1.9m from Aboriginal people until they sign new mining leases

Eastern Guruma say royalties are being held up because they have been asking about FMG's plan in areas with numerous sacred sites

Fortescue Metals Group is allegedly withholding $1.9m in royalty payments from Aboriginal people in the Pilbara because the owners asked for information about their plans" for several mining leases before signing them, a federal parliamentary inquiry has been told.

FMG is withholding $1.9m in royalties it owes to the Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC), which was due to be paid on 31 January. The Guruma say the royalties - which relate to a separate agreement - are being withheld because they have been asking about FMG's plan for nine leases in areas that contain numerous sacred sites.