A- 9 



II 



EECOMTIEHDATIONS ADOPTED AT THE NINTH ANTAfiCTE TREATY CONSULTATIVE 

 MEETING 



IX - 1 



ANTARCTIC MINERAL RESOURCES 



The Representatives, 



Rocallinc: the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty, which 

 establishes a regime for international cooperation in Antarctica, 

 with the objective of ensuring that Antarctica should continue 

 forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and should 

 not become the scene or object of international discord; 



Bearinp; in mind the provisions of Article IV of the Treaty; 



Convinced that the framework established by the Antarctic 

 Treaty has proved effective in promoting international harmony 

 in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations 

 Charter, in ensuring the protection of the Antarctic environment, 

 and on promoting freedom of scientific research in Antarctica; 



Notinp; with thanks the Report of the Scientific Committee on 

 Antarctic Research (SCAR) Group of Specialists entitled 

 Preliminary Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Mineral 

 Exploration/Exploitation in Antarctica (EAI-IREA); 



Recognizing nevertheless that adequate scientific data 

 concerning the harmful environmental effects of activities related 

 to the exploration and exploitation of Antarctic mineral resources, 

 should they occur, are not yet available; 



Concerned that vmregulated activities related to exploration 

 and exploitation of mineral resources could adversely affect the 

 unique environment of the Antarctic and other ecosystems dependent 

 on the Antarctic environment; 



Conscious that the Consultative Pai'ties to the Antarctic Treaty 

 in carrying out scientific research in the area have accumulated 

 valuable experience and can substantially contribute to the 

 protection of the environment and the rational use of Antarctic 

 mineral resources, should exploration or exploitation thereof occur; 



