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W.A. Court Rules Wright Prospecting Entitled to Half Hope Downs Royalties

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Western Australian Supreme Court ruled Wright Prospecting is entitled to half of the royalties from the Hope Downs project, a joint venture with Rio Tinto, obliging Hancock Prospecting to pay hundreds of millions.
Hancock Prospecting retained ownership rights, but the ruling will affect future earnings.
Gina Rinehart's children seek a 49% stake under a past agreement, and both sides claim partial victories with appeals possible.

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Story summary

The Western Australian Supreme Court ruled Wright Prospecting is entitled to half of the royalties from the Hope Downs project, a joint venture with Rio Tinto, obliging Hancock Prospecting to pay hundreds of millions.
Hancock Prospecting retained ownership rights, but the ruling will affect future earnings.
Gina Rinehart's children seek a 49% stake under a past agreement, and both sides claim partial victories with appeals possible.