Report Suggests Industrial Emissions May Be Contributing to Degradation of Ancient Murujuga Rock Art
A significant environmental study monitoring the impact of industrial air emissions on ancient rock carvings in Western Australia’s Pilbara region has found evidence that rocks located closer to industrial sites show greater signs of degradation than those further away.
The findings are detailed in the second-year report of the five-year Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program, released publicly for the first time after a delay. The report focuses on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga), near Karratha, which is home to one of the world’s oldest and most culturally important collections of petroglyphs, some dating back up to 65,000 years.
Key Findings
The report found that the most common rock type in the region showed elevated porosity—a sign of surface degradation—particularly in samples from areas near Dampier, a hub for industrial activity since the 1960s. The research team, led by Professor Ben Mullins, is continuing to investigate the link between this degradation and historic industrial emissions.
While no evidence was found to support the theory that acid rain is damaging the rock art, the study noted that several monitored sites had exceeded the program’s early warning pollution indicators, though all remained below the threshold for “unacceptable change.”
Cultural and Environmental Implications
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) chairperson Peter Hicks welcomed the findings, saying they mark progress toward developing formal protections for the rock art and support MAC’s goal of achieving World Heritage listing for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
“The latest findings show that past emission levels may have affected some of the rock types,” Mr Hicks said. “We are confident that we have got a robust scientific program that is clarifying these processes so we can achieve lasting protection.”
He added that interim environmental quality criteria (EQC) had now been established for the first time, and that MAC would continue working with the WA government to enforce protective measures.
The $27 million monitoring initiative, which began in 2020, involves more than 50 experts and researchers, and is a joint effort between the WA government, MAC, and Curtin University.
Political Tensions Ahead of Major Energy Decision
The release of the report comes just as Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt prepares to decide whether Woodside Energy can continue gas processing at its North West Shelf facility on the Burrup Peninsula until 2070. Mr Watt has said the report’s findings will be taken into account in his ruling, which is expected by the end of next week.
WA Greens MP Sophie McNeill said the report confirms that industrial activity has already impacted the ancient rock art and urged the federal government to delay any extension of gas operations in the area.
“The real headline… is that it confirms there has been damage to these ancient rocks,” she said. “Minister Watt must not approve the North West Shelf extension until this incredibly important work is done.”
A final version of the Rock Art Monitoring Program report and a complete set of standards are expected in 2026.
