Arabic version: بدأ النزاع حول تكاليف التقاضي في قضية رينهارت في هوب داونز

Hearings are underway in Perth to determine what costs will be awarded following the judgement in Gina Rinehart’s legal battle with her late father’s former business partners. According to ABC News, the proceedings involve claims from Wright Prospecting and DFD Rhodes, who were awarded rights to a share of royalties from Rinehart’s iron ore interests but had their ownership claims rejected.

Justice Jennifer Smith is likely to make a series of orders as a result of today’s hearing, determining the extent of the liabilities for Rinehart’s company, Hancock Prospecting (HPPL). During the Supreme Court session, at least 20 lawyers argued their cases, with Rinehart’s legal team advocating for minimization of their liabilities, while representatives for Wright and Rhodes sought maximum costs.

Last week’s ruling determined that HPPL must pay hundreds of millions of dollars in mining royalties to the companies linked to Rinehart’s late father’s business partners. The ruling awarded annual royalties estimated at $18 million—$14 million for Wright and $4 million for Rhodes—although these figures are likely to be contested by Wright and Rhodes in upcoming hearings.

Central to the discussions are the calculations of the royalties owed, as well as interest payments. Lawyers for Rhodes argued for a six percent interest rate, while HPPL’s counsel disputed this, claiming commercial rates of interest averaged out over the period royalties were owed would be significantly less at about 2.8 percent. Additional claims for damages and the costs associated with the accounting process have also been raised, with Justice Smith indicating her intention to clarify HPPL’s obligations in her forthcoming orders. The hearing continues as the parties await further developments in this long-standing legal saga.