Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Acknowledged
Russian seismic surveys in Antarctic waters raise concerns over potential mining ban compromise.
Conclusion
Antarctica’s potential reserves of commercial mineral resources, including oil, coal, and iron ore, present a risk of future conflicts and environmental harm. While the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty enforces an indefinite mining ban, recent reports of Russian seismic surveys in Antarctic waters raise concerns that prospecting activities may be taking place. If substantiated, such actions would compromise the Protocol and endanger the fragile Antarctic environment. Failure to address these concerns could set a dangerous precedent, opening the door for future exploitation, and threatening the environmental protections that the Antarctic Treaty System was designed to uphold. (Conclusion, Paragraph 190)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion regarding the risks posed by potential mineral exploitation and concerns about possible breaches of the mining ban, but does not outline specific actions it will take in response.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
. The Government accepts this recommendation.