A team from Scarp Archaeology, led by Dr Michael Slack, has been excavating the site under a dome erected to protect the remains. Dr Slack said the finds allow researchers to trace Aboriginal occupation consistently for more than 50,000 years, offering rare insight into how people moved into arid zone Australia after arriving in the north of the continent. Among the discoveries is a bladed stone cutting tool with a spinifex resin handle dating back about 3,000 years, which Dr Slack described as incredibly rare to find intact. A piece of baler shell indicates long-distance trade routes from the coast 350 kilometres away. Archaeobotanist Elise Matheson said the site has one of the few intact plant records in Australia's arid zone, allowing researchers to see what people ate in their daily lives. The team also found evidence that Tasmanian devils once roamed the inland before becoming extinct on the mainland about 3,200 years ago. PKKP traditional owner Burchell Hayes, who visited the newly exposed bedrock for the first time, said holding an artefact created by his ancestors was amazing. "The preservation and protection this rock shelter provided our ancestors and all the artefacts that they've imported into here just strengthens our story around and about the connection to this place," he said. Terry Hayes, another traditional owner, said the dig has helped the community heal, though it can never take back what happened. The PKKP is planning to reconstruct the rock shelter, taking inspiration from replica prehistoric caves in France, but the gorge is unlikely to become a tourist attraction.
Juukan Gorge yields 50,000 artefacts in one of Australia's most significant archaeological excavations
The dig, commissioned by traditional owners, has uncovered evidence of continuous Aboriginal occupation spanning more than 50,000 years
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The discovery provides one of the most continuous records of Aboriginal life in arid Australia, challenging gaps in the archaeological record.
- It comes after the destruction of the site by Rio Tinto in 2020, which prompted international outrage and reforms to heritage protection laws.
- The findings strengthen the PKKP's cultural connection to the land and support the community's healing process.
Background
Juukan Gorge lies in the Hamersley Range, about 60 kilometres north-west of Tom Price, on land belonging to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. In May 2020, Rio Tinto legally detonated explosives at the site to expand its Brockman iron ore mine, destroying two rock shelters that held evidence of 46,000 years of continuous occupation. The blast caused global condemnation, led to a parliamentary inquiry, and prompted Rio Tinto to overhaul its heritage management practices. The current excavation is the first systematic archaeological investigation since the destruction.
Key Perspectives
Burchell Hayes (PKKP traditional owner): Said he was amazed to hold an artefact created by his ancestors and that the discoveries strengthen the community's story of connection to the place. Terry Hayes (PKKP traditional owner): Said the dig has helped the community heal together, but emphasised that it can never take back what happened. Dr Michael Slack (lead archaeologist): Described Juukan as one of the most important sites in Australian archaeology, with a continuous record of Aboriginal occupation for over 50,000 years. Elise Matheson (archaeobotanist): Said the site has one of the few intact plant records in Australia's arid zone, offering a window into daily life through the rubbish left behind.
What to Watch
- The PKKP's planned reconstruction of the rock shelter, modelled on France's Lascaux and Chauvet replica caves.
- Further analysis of the 50,000 artefacts, including bone fragments from Tasmanian devils and other species.
- Whether the findings influence heritage protection laws or mining approvals in the Pilbara region.
Sources
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
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- SupportedThe excavation recovered 50,000 artefacts.Just In: “They have collected 50,000 artefacts, far more than are usually found during excavations”
- Partly supportedThe excavation is one of Australia's most significant archaeological excavations.Just In: “They say that makes Juukan one of the most significant sites in Australian archaeology.”
- SupportedTraditional owners commissioned the dig.Just In: “Dr Slack and his team from Scarp Archaeology have been commissioned by the PKKP to carry out a full excavation of the rock shelter.”
- SupportedThe dig uncovered evidence of Aboriginal occupation at Juukan Gorge consistently for more than 50,000 years.Just In: “Unlike most sites in Australia, you can trace back Aboriginal occupation of this site consistently for over 50,000 years.”
- SupportedSome recovered artefacts date back 50,000 years.Just In: “Some date back 50,000 years, when archaeologists believe Aboriginal people first arrived this far inland.”
- SupportedLead researcher Michael Slack described Juukan as one of the most important sites in Australian archaeology.Just In: ““This is one of the most important sites in Australian archaeology,” Dr Slack said.”
- Partly supportedThis is the first full scientific dig at the rock shelter since the 2020 blast destroyed it.Just In: “Dr Slack and his team from Scarp Archaeology have been commissioned by the PKKP to carry out a full excavation of the rock shelter.”
- Partly supportedThe finds offer rare insight into how people moved into arid-zone Australia after arriving in the north.Just In: “It was very important in understanding “how fast Aboriginal people might have moved into arid zone Australia” after arriving in the north of the continent.”
- SupportedA bladed stone cutting tool with a spinifex resin handle dates back about 3,000 years, and Slack described finding one intact as incredibly rare.Just In: “Among the artefacts is a stunning bladed tool with a handle dating back some 3,000 years. “It’s kangaroo poo and spinifex resin as a handle. This is incredibly rare to find them like this,” Dr Slack said.”
- SupportedA piece of baler shell indicates long-distance trade routes from the coast 350 kilometres away.Just In: “There is a piece of baler shell, indicating long-distance trading routes from the coast 350 kilometres away.”
- SupportedMatheson said Juukan has one of the few intact plant records in Australia's arid zone, showing what people ate in daily life.Just In: ““It’s one of the few sites in the arid zone of Australia where we actually have a really intact plant record for what people were eating,” she said.”
- SupportedBurchell Hayes said: “The preservation and protection this rock shelter provided our ancestors and all the artefacts that they've imported into here just strengthens our story around and about the connection to this place.”Just In: ““The preservation and protection this rock shelter provided our ancestors and all the artefacts that they’ve imported into here just strengthens our story around and about the connection to this place.””