Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (CRAMRA)

Abstract

This convention was developed to regulate the exploration and potential exploitation of mineral resources in Antarctica. Although it was signed in 1988, it never entered into force due to lack of ratification, particularly following the adoption of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol, 1991), which banned mineral resource activities. CRAMRA remains an important historical document in the evolution of Antarctic environmental governance and reflects early international efforts to address mineral interests in the region.