The traditional owners of Juukan Gorge say they are “appalled” that unauthorised photos showing the destruction of two sacred sites have been offered for sale, saying the images are “profiteering from our anguish”.
The photographs, seen by Guardian Australia, were taken in early July about six weeks after mining company Rio Tinto detonated explosives above two ancient rock shelters, one of which had been occupied by the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) peoples for more than 46,000 years and was deemed to be of the highest archeological significance in Australia.
Juukan Gorge is located on the south-western edge of the Brockman 4 iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Rio Tinto told a parliamentary inquiry into the destruction of the sites that it could have avoided the gorge in digging its iron ore pit, but that bringing the edge of the mine up to the heritage-listed sites would give the company access to $135m in additional high-grade iron ore.
The aerial images show the pit and surrounding works have been extended right to the edge of the gorge.
They show that the roof of at least one of the rock shelters – Juukan 2, the cave of greatest significance in which archeological surveys discovered a 4,000-year-old genetic link to PKKP living today – had collapsed to rubble.
They also show an area of levelled-off ground above what appears to be the second damaged rock shelter, which appears to have been prepared for further work.
However, Rio Tinto said it suspended all activities with the potential to impact on an Aboriginal heritage site in May, after the public backlash about the damage to the Juukan rock shelters. In a submission to the parliamentary inquiry, the mining company said it was negotiating with the PKKP over a moratorium on mining activity in the area around Juukan Gorge, the final terms of which are yet to be fixed.
The company told Guardian Australia on Tuesday that its submission to the inquiry remained current. Sources say traditional owners are conducting their own inquiries.
Guardian Australia approached the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation about the photos, which are owned by an international media agency. Spokesman Burchell Hayes requested they not be published and Guardian Australia is honouring that request.
“The PKKP does not consent or give permission for the publication of these photographs or any images depicting Juukan Gorge after the blasts on May 24,” Hayes said.
“We do not know who has taken these images or whether the photographer had permission from Rio Tinto to fly over the Brockman 4 mine site, and are appalled that anyone would consider profiteering from our anguish caused by the desecration of these sacred sites.
“While we understand the community concern and interest surrounding the destruction of these ancient caves, the publication of these images only serves to reinvigorate the hurt and sadness we feel at the loss of this significant site and our connection to our ancestors, as well as our anger towards Rio Tinto.”
The destruction of the rock shelters sparked an international media storm, with more than 500 articles published worldwide. Rio Tinto lost its partnership with Reconciliation Australia and was forced to explain its actions to major shareholders.
Its major competitor in the Pilbara, BHP, has since paused plans it had to destroy up to 40 Aboriginal heritage sites and faced a demand from shareholders that it does not undertake any mining activity that could destroy, damage, or desecrate a site until WA’s outdated Aboriginal heritage laws are changed.
The PKKP is expected to make a submission to the parliamentary inquiry, which is due to hold hearings in Perth next month.
