But does it really set a precedent?
Four years ago, members of South Africa’s Bengwenyama-ye-Maswazi community sued a company called Genorah, along with various government officials, including the mines’ minister. They sought cancellation of prospecting rights on five platinum leases, bundled together as the Garatau project under the aegis of another outfit, called Nkwe, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
In August 2008, Xstrata plc took up an exclusive option to acquire a 50% interest in the five Nkwe properties, which are located on the Bushveld – the richest platinum belt in the world.
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=10565.