On the remote Murujuga peninsula in Western Australia, millions of images some of the earliest known depictions of the human face are etched into the rocks by the country’s original inhabitants. This extraordinary open-air gallery, containing up to a million petroglyphs and believed to be over 50,000 years old, is recognized as one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient rock art.
However, this irreplaceable cultural treasure is now under serious threat from industrial pollution. Scientific studies and Indigenous custodians warn that acid rain, created by sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions from nearby gas plants and other heavy industry, is eroding the rock surfaces at an alarming rate. Laboratory research has confirmed that these emissions, mixing with moisture in the air, are damaging the ancient images. Recent analysis comparing historical and current photographs of the petroglyphs found that half showed signs of change, with substantial damage observed in several cases especially those closest to industrial activity.
The situation has sparked a heated debate over the region’s future. On one side, industrialists and some government-backed studies claim that the emissions do not harm the rock art, while leading scientists and conservationists present strong evidence to the contrary. The controversy comes as the Australian government considers extending the operation of major gas projects in the area, with environmental groups and Pacific nations urging protection for this unique heritage site.
At stake is not only the preservation of a record of human history spanning tens of thousands of years, but also the cultural and spiritual legacy of Indigenous Australians. The ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for robust environmental protections and a balanced approach to development in this culturally and historically significant region.