Chile denounces plans for Antarctic oil extraction amid tensions
President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, stated that his country will firmly oppose any attempts at commercial extraction of resources in Antarctica, reported the Infobae portal. This stance is linked to reports of Russia discovering massive oil deposits there.
Infobae notes that, according to media reports, Russia discovered the oil deposits, which are located in a zone claimed by the United Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina.
Chile reacts to Antarctica
"Chile has defended, defends, and will continue to defend the idea that Antarctica is a continent of science and peace. We will firmly oppose any commercial exploitation of minerals and hydrocarbons," wrote President Boric on the X platform.
The Chilean president emphasized in his post, "We will work together with all claimant states and signatories of the Antarctic Treaty to ensure that this principle is respected by all countries."
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren stated that "from time to time, unconfirmed information" about deposits in Antarctica surfaces, but the Antarctic Treaty forbids their exploitation.
Resources in Antarctica
"Chile, like other Antarctic nations, will continue to defend the protection of Antarctica firmly," added the foreign minister.
The information about the alleged discovery of oil deposits in the British Antarctic Territory was reported last week by the British newspaper "The Daily Telegraph." According to the newspaper, these deposits are 81 billion litres, which is about 10 times more than what has been extracted in the North Sea over the past 50 years.
The discovery, supposedly made by Russian research vessels, raises concerns about the possibility of initiating drilling in the protected region, the British newspaper assessed.
