Exploitation of Antarctica Banned: Representatives of 39...

Exploitation of Antarctica Banned: Representatives of 39 nations tentatively agreed to ban all mining and other mineral exploration in the Antarctic for at least 50 years. The preliminary agreement, reached after nine days of intense negotiations in Madrid, would prohibit all commercial mineral activities including exploration and prospecting for the next half-century. Representatives must take the proposal, which essentially is an addition to the Antarctic Treaty, back to their heads of state for review before a final vote June 23.