In 2023, CDM Studio was engaged to explore construction methodologies for the recreation and rehabilitation of Juukan 2, following the loss of the original rockshelter in 2020.

Because of the lack of digital documentation, the first phase of R&D focused on the development of a digital model, full-scale prototyping and immersive virtual reality. These tools enabled Traditional Owners to contribute directly to the model by reviewing it and providing  direct feedback based on memory and lived knowledge.

The Project is led by PKKPAC: all decision and approvals are made by the Aboriginal Corporation with the support Rio Tinto  and multiple Engineering teams led by WSP.

The Juukan 2 Remediation project is undertaken with deep respect for the PKKP people and in collaboration with all partners.

The recreation is not intended to replace the original  rockshelter, but to support education, reflection, and cultural understanding for future generations.

As of January 2026, CDM and its partners have begun the Stage 2 Prototypes.

A key project milestone and core team building exercise was an international field trip to the Lascaux and Chauvet cave replicas in France.

CDM’s director Daniel Browne attended the trip to France alongside senior PKKP Traditional Owners, key Rio Tinto project members and PKKPAC representatives.

This 10-day fact finding mission was designed to meet with respective Chauvet and Lascaux project directors and engineers for exchanging knowledge.