POLE TO POLE

One reason the Arctic is in the spotlight for exploitation is that it not only extends into the territory of eight nations but is in the same hemisphere as most of the world’s developed nations. Yet interest in the High North may ultimately prove to be a precursor for activity at the other end of the Earth, in Antarctica. ‘Everyone is looking at the Arctic when we should really be looking at the Antarctic,’ says Boulègue, who points out that the Arctic is mostly already divided up; the remaining land claims are relatively trivial. ‘ The Arctic is mainly ice, not land. Antarctica is a landmass topped by ice and is of greater long-term interest. No-one has really sought to formally establish land ownership in Antarctica.’ The Antarctic is thought to hold fossil fuel resources, along with ingredients for new drugs, industrial compounds and some commercial applications. Coal has been found in two regions – in the Transantarctic Mountains and Prince Charles Mountains – while iron ore is widespread in surface rocks in Antarctica and has been traced deep under the ice. For now, the 1961 Antarctic Treaty protects the continent (defined as the area south of 60°S) from development. Signed by 45 nations, it states that leading powers will work in cooperation in Antarctica and observe a moratorium on mineral extraction in the region. All mining is banned until at least 2041. Nevertheless, there’s interest in exploiting resources. Turkey, one of the signatories, has expressed a long-term interest in harvesting krill in the Antarctic Ocean. China and Japan are among 28 signatories who enjoy consultative status - these states meet annually to review and negotiate separate amendments and recommendations to the treaty.