50,000 artefacts help heal Juukan Gorge after Rio Tinto's destruction
Juukan Gorge dig uncovered 50,000 artefacts, with some dating back 50,000 years, revealing ancient Aboriginal life in the Pilbara.
Archaeologists uncovered 50,000 artefacts at Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara, where Rio Tinto destroyed a rock shelter in 2020. Some date back 50,000 years, when archaeologists believe Aboriginal people first arrived this far inland.
The site is one of Australia's most significant archaeological discoveries. Finds include a bladed tool with a handle of kangaroo dung and spinifex resin, some 3,000 years old, and a baler shell showing trade from the coast 350km away.
Researchers found about 200 fire remains and possible paperbark bedding. Evidence shows Tasmanian devils roamed the inland before becoming extinct about 3,200 years ago.
Traditional owner Burchell Hayes recently visited and said holding an ancestor-made artefact was deeply moving. The traditional owners plan to reconstruct the shelter, inspired by recreated prehistoric caves in France, though Juukan will stay sacred rather than become a tourist site.
- 50,000
- Artefacts found
- 50,000 years ago
- Earliest dating
- 3,000 years old
- Bladed tool age
- 350km from coast
- Trade distance
Why it mattersThe dig offers unique insights into 50,000 years of Aboriginal life and culture, and provides healing for traditional owners after Rio Tinto's destruction of their sacred site.
AustraliaThe discovery strengthens knowledge of Australia's deep human history. For the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, it aids healing from Rio Tinto's destruction of their sacred site.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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