Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has been mandated by the Western Australian Supreme Court to pay 50% of royalties from the Hope Downs iron ore project to Wright Prospecting, a decision that could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. Justice Jennifer Smith stated that Wright Prospecting successfully established its contractual claim for royalties from the project, while its claims to ownership of other mining assets held by Hancock were dismissed. This ruling is seen as a significant outcome in a legal battle that has been ongoing since 2010. The complex case, which involved claims dating back to the 1950s, concluded with a judgment that is expected to exceed 1,600 pages. The Hope Downs project, located near Newman in north-west Western Australia, is a joint venture with Rio Tinto and has been profitable for Hancock Prospecting, generating an $832 million profit in 2025. Wright Prospecting, represented by heirs including billionaire Angela Bennett, argued they were entitled to a share of the royalties due to historical claims related to the original prospectors. Hancock Prospecting countered that it had assumed all risks and responsibilities associated with the project.