Fortescue reviews plans that threaten 60 000 year-old Australian site

Fortescue Metals Group said on Friday it will review plans at an iron ore mine in Western Australia after an Indigenous group said a planned expansion threatened sacred sites, including a 60,000 year old rock shelter.

The mining company asked the government to delay a decision on a heritage exemption request as part of a mine expansion, it said in a statement, which would allow it to damage sites of cultural significance to the Wintawari Guruma people.

The world’s fourth biggest iron ore miner asked for a two-month halt to its request.