Antarctica has no permanent population, no government and does not belong to any one country.  However seven countries, including Australia, claim territory and twenty eight countries maintain permanent research stations throughout Antarctica.  These countries, and nineteen others, are signatories to a unique agreement governing all activities in Antarctica.  This agreement is the Antarctic Treaty.

THE ANTARCTIC TREATY

The primary purpose of the Antarctic Treaty is to ensure “in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.”  To this end it prohibits military activity, except in support of science; prohibits nuclear explosions and the disposal of nuclear waste;  promotes scientific research and the exchange of data; and holds all territorial claims in temporary suspension.  The Treaty applies to the area south of 60° South Latitude, including all ice shelves and islands.

THE MADRID PROTOCOL

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (known as the Madrid Protocol) is a comprehensive framework for the environmental protection of Antarctica and its dependent and associated ecosystems.  The reason this protocol is so important is because it is the instrument which effectively prohibits the exploitation of minerals and oil in Antarctica.

In the year 2041 a review of the Madrid Protocol may be called by any one of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (of which there are currently twenty eight) and if a number of conditions are met; including the need for agreement of at least three quarters of the Parties, the current ban on mining could be lifted or modified.

For more information check out the Handbook of the Antarctic Treaty System (published by the US Department of State)