Regulation of Mineral Resource Activities in Antarctica

Mineral resource activities in Antarctica were brought to the agenda at 6th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) held Tokyo for first time 1970. The Convention on Regulation of Resource Activities (CRAMRA), which regulates issue detail, could not enter into force after France and Australia decided sign Convention. Protocol Environmental Protection (PEPAT) was signed Special ATCMs that took place Madrid 1991 review Treaty. entered 14 January 1998, ratification all Parties. PEPAT, does modify any way, is among legal documents within System (ATS) as its annex. Unlike CRAMRA, with provision PEPAT Article 7, mineral are completely prohibited. only exception related prohibition scientific research. This mean mentioned will be carried out an unlimited way. These subject Annex 1 Impact Assessment. Continuity absolute a significant issue. Accordingly, accordance 25/1 provisions may modified or amended by unanimous agreement Parties including 7. Apart from this, ongoing paragraph same article, expiration 50 years date entry this period corresponds 2048, conference functioning notification It envisaged proposed amendments Review Conference would adopted majority Parties, 3/4 States PEPAT's (1998), prohibits activities. When signed, considered difficult since Parties' approval has given, effect line emergence common interest direction. shows commitment protection especially determination question once again expressed Declaration published 32nd ATCM Resolution 39th ATCM, although they legally binding. Especially Resolution, emphasis both continuity incorrect belief media expired 2048 noteworthy.