Ancient rock art under threat as Australia gives ‘proposed’ approval to gas plant extension

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Australia’s Environment Minister has granted “proposed” approval for Woodside Energy’s Karratha Gas Plant extension, allowing operations until 2070, pending a final decision within 10 days
• The project is under fire for threatening Murujuga’s ancient rock art — home to millions of engravings, including the world’s earliest human face depictions — due to industrial emissions
• The decision has provoked legal threats from Indigenous custodians and strong opposition from environmental groups and Pacific nations

🔭 The context: Murujuga, also known as the Burrup Peninsula, is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, dating back tens of thousands of years
• The Karratha Gas Plant, operational since the 1980s, is part of the North West Shelf project, a cornerstone of Australia’s gas export economy
• Scientific findings have linked emissions from the plant to acid rain eroding the rock art, yet the Western Australian government continues to support the extension amid international scrutiny

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The extension could unlock further fossil fuel development, notably the Browse gas field under Scott Reef, potentially generating billions of tons of CO₂
• This clashes with global climate goals and endangers vulnerable ecosystems and cultural heritage
• The decision also jeopardizes Australia’s credibility as a co-bidder for COP31, as Pacific Island nations warn that continued fossil fuel expansion threatens their survival

⏭️ What's next: Woodside must respond within 10 days before a final ruling by Minister Watt. Meanwhile, the Browse project remains under public consultation after a revised proposal
• Legal action by Indigenous custodians and intensified campaigning from climate groups are likely
• The federal government also faces mounting pressure to align its actions with international climate commitments ahead of the 2026 COP talks

💬 One quote: “What will be approved here is the biggest carbon bomb in the southern hemisphere,” —  Prof. Benjamin Smith, International Scientific Committee for Rock Art

📈 One stat: The planned 900-km pipeline from Scott Reef would supply gas to the Karratha plant, potentially locking in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Woodside Energy and its peers Santos, and Shell

Click for more news covering the latest on oil & gas