Archaeological Excavations
Where Science and Cultural Values Shape Investigations
Archaeological excavations are usually undertaken to address clearly defined scientific questions about the presence, nature and significance of cultural heritage within an activity area.
These investigations form a critical evidence base, informing significance assessments, impact evaluation, and decision‑making under relevant heritage legislation.
Salvage excavation is undertaken only where impacts to archaeological sites or deposits cannot be avoided or mitigated through design or management measures. As the final stage in the cultural heritage assessment process, salvage is conducted once the scientific and cultural values of a place have been established and all statutory approvals and management conditions are in place. Salvage programs are therefore tightly controlled, purpose‑driven, and carried out in accordance with strict regulatory and stakeholder requirements.
Because salvage excavation represents the last opportunity to recover scientific information from an impacted site, it demands the highest level of archaeological expertise, methodological control and operational care. ACHM maintains a full suite of purpose‑built equipment capable of supporting salvage excavations of any scale or complexity, including custom‑designed mechanical sieves engineered to ensure both recovery efficiency and operator safety.
ACHM’s archaeological team comprises highly experienced practitioners with extensive expertise in test and salvage excavations across complex regulatory environments. Our work is grounded in scientific rigor, defensible methodology, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with undertaking salvage as the final stage of cultural heritage investigation.
Why Choose ACHM
Experienced Team
Our anthropologists and archaeologists bring decades of skill and expertise to every project.
Nationwide Reach
From urban developments to remote communities, we operate across Australia.
Reputation of Excellence
Trusted by clients for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Case Studies
Testimonials
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is archaeological excavation and when is it required for a development project in Australia?
Archaeological excavation is a systematic investigation to determine the presence, nature and significance of sub-surface cultural heritage within an activity area. It may be required when a development, including infrastructure, mining or energy projects, may impact Aboriginal cultural heritage sites that cannot be avoided. It may form a part of the cultural heritage assessment and approvals process under relevant state and territory legislation.
What is the difference between a test excavation and a salvage excavation?
A test excavation investigates whether cultural heritage is present within a proposed activity area and informs significance assessments. Salvage excavation is undertaken usually as the final step, after all avoidance options have been exhausted and statutory approvals are in place. Salvage is one of the final stages of the cultural heritage assessment process and usually represents the last opportunity to recover scientific information from an impacted site.
What methods are used in archaeological salvage excavations?
Archaeological salvage uses three primary methods: surface salvage (artefact collection from the ground surface), manual excavation (hand-dug salvage pits in areas of known cultural deposits) and mechanical excavation (using plant and equipment for large-scale programs). The method is determined by site conditions, approval conditions and Traditional Owner requirements. Programs are tailored to the size and nature of each site.
How long does an archaeological excavation take for a major infrastructure or mining project?
Duration varies based on the size and complexity of the activity area, the nature of identified cultural heritage and the methods specified in the relevant approvalsor agreed salvage program. Small targeted programs may be completed within days; large-scale salvage programs for major infrastructure or mining projects can run for several weeks or months. A scoped program with clear timelines should be established before works commence.
What happens to artefacts recovered during an archaeological excavation in Australia?
Artefacts recovered during archaeological excavation are analysed, catalogued and managed in accordance with CHMP conditions and state or territory heritage legislation. Outcomes are determined in consultation with the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party or Traditional Owner group, and typically include reburial on Country, transfer of custody to the relevant Aboriginal Land Council, or curation in an approved facility.
What qualifications and experience should I look for in an archaeological excavation consultant?
Look for hihgly qualified and experienced professional archaeologists with a track record across complex projects, established Traditional Owner relationships and demonstrated understanding of your project jurisdiction’s regulatory framework. ISO certifications (9001, 14001 and 45001) indicate quality, environmental and safety management standards. Relevant experience in your sector, resources, infrastructure or urban development, is equally important.
What is the relationship between an archaeological assessment and an archaeological excavation?
An archaeological assessment is the first stage of the cultural heritage investigation process, establishing whether heritage is likely present and what further investigation is needed. If significant sites or deposits are identified that cannot be avoided, test and salvage excavation programs may follow. The excavation program builds on assessment findings to inform significance determinations, statutory approvals and cultural heritage management obligations.
Can archaeological excavation work proceed at the same time as construction activities?
Archaeological site monitoring and targeted excavation can sometimes be integrated into construction programs where careful planning and unexpected finds protocols are in place. However, salvage excavation is usually completed before earthworks commence in affected areas, as it is the final opportunity to recover information from impacted sites. Early engagement with a cultural heritage consultant is essential to avoid programme delays.
How does a Cultural Heritage Management Plan relate to archaeological excavation requirements in Victoria?
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is the primary statutory approval mechanism for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts in Victoria. Once approved, it sets out management conditions for the activity area, which may include mandatory salvage excavation of identified Aboriginal places before works begin. Proponents are legally responsible for meeting all CHMP conditions prior to construction commencement.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your Project?
ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.