Tools aged 35,000 years unearthed in Australia

Archaeologists have unearthed a large number of stone tools dating back at least 35,000 years in Western Australia.

One of the team, Neale Draper, called the find “a major scientific discovery”.

“It contains a large number of stone tools and it is one of the most data-rich ancient sites in Australia, with an exceptional amount of information about climate change through the last Ice Age, the earliest occupation of the Pilbara and North-West Australia,” he told Fairfax Media newspapers.

The tools were uncovered in an iron ore mine site run by Rio Tinto after local Aboriginals hired archaeologists to study the site.

“We have always known this is an important part of our history, that our ancestors lived here,” Slim Parker, a senior elder of the Martidja Banyjima people, told Fairfax. “Our stories and songs tell us this.”

Radiocarbon tests on material found there suggest the site is one of Australia’s oldest Aboriginal dwelling places, archaeologists say.

Discussions are now under way between the company and the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land, who want the sensitive areas protected from mining.

“It is a good feeling to know archaeologists have proved what we say is true,” Mr Parker said.

“It makes us feel strong. Now we want this place preserved. It is part of our heritage and our culture.”