Fortescue fights an injunction preventing port dredging

The injunction prevented Fortescue from dredging some areas adjacent to its Herb Elliott port facilities in Port Hedland, as part of ambitious expansion plans that will give it six berths, up from one presently.

"We have been caught up in a dispute between the recognised native title claimant group in the area, the Karyarra people, and a small breakaway group," a Fortescue spokesman told reporters.

"Fortescue applied for and received all the required heritage and environmental approvals before it began dredging in Port Hedland, and hopes to resolve this issue quickly," the company said.

"Dredging is continuing in areas unaffected by the injunction."

A judgement on Fortescue's appeal will be heard in the Supreme Court of Western Australia on Thursday morning.