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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- UNEP Summary File

See the ENTRI query system for information about the signatory status of this treaty.

           CONVENTION ON THE REGULATION OF ANTARCTIC
                  MINERAL RESOURCE ACTIVITIES

Objectives
==========

     To provide for principles, rules and institutions to assess
the possible impact on the environment of Antarctic mineral resource
activities;  to determine the acceptability of those activities;  to
govern the conduct of the activities;  and to ensure that all such
activities are undertaken in conformity with the Convention, the aim
of the Convention being to prohibit activities that would cause
damage to the environment or ecosystems of the Antarctic or affect
global or regional climate patterns.

Summary of provisions
=====================

     (a)  The Convention operates within the general framework of
the Antarctic Treaty system and does not prejudice any legal
position under the Treaty or other components of the system or
affect other uses of Antarctica (arts. 2, 9, 10 and 15);

     (b)  It prohibits mineral resources activities outside the
Convention (art. 3);

     (c)  It provides for rules upon which to judge the
acceptability of activities for compliance and for determining
liability in case of infraction (arts. 4, 7 and 8);

     (d)  It prohibits activities in any areas designated as
protected under the Antarctic Treaty or the Convention (art. 3);

     (e)  The Convention creates a Mineral Resources Commission,
Scientific Advisory Committees, Regulatory Committees and a special
meeting of the Parties and a Secretariat as institutions for the
implementation of the Convention (chapter II);

     (f)  The Convention also provides detailed financial
provisions, as well as detailed rules on prospecting exploration and
the development of mineral resources activities (chapters III, IV
and V);

     (g)  Detailed rules on settlement of disputes are also set out
(chapter VI and annex for an Arbitral Tribunal).

Membership
==========

     Open to ratification, acceptance or approval by signatories.  
After 25 November 1989 open to any State that is a Party to the
Antarctic Treaty.

     Date of adoption              2. 6.1988
     Place of adoption             Wellington, New Zealand
     Date of entry into force      Not yet in force
     Languages                     Chinese, English, French,
                                   Russian, Spanish
     Depositary                    New Zealand

     Participant                    Signature
     -----------                     ----------

     Brazil                          25.11.1988
     Finland                         25.11.1988
     Russian Federation              25.11.1988
     Sweden                          25.11.1988
     United States of America        30.11.1988
     Uruguay                         25.11.1988

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