Why is there no mining in antarctica, despite evidence of mineral resources on the continent? . -it is too dangerous to drill in the area.. -the ice cap prevents all mining.. -an international treaty prohibits it.. -the minerals have little commercial value.

The answer is An international treaty prohibits it. The treaty was signed in 1961 by 53 signatory countries recognizing the Antarctic region as any ice shelved south of the 60 degrees latitude. The treaty was signed to help preserve what is considered to be the last great wilderness without human inhabitation. Mining mineral in the region would inevitably cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. It has also been observed by scientific research that damage to Antarctica would cause damage to the habitat for endemic organisms such as penguins and seals. Antarctica is also a driver of Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems holding approximately 70% of the world fresh waters in ice form.