Russia has reportedly discovered massive oil reserves in Antarctica, a British territory. Russian research vessels made the discovery in the Weddell Sea, estimated to contain 511 billion barrels of oil. However, the exploitation of hydrocarbons in Antarctica is strictly prohibited under the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959.
The continent is reserved for peaceful activities and scientific research, particularly in the study of climate change. The Russian discovery has sparked concerns in the scientific community, with experts warning of potential future exploitation operations. The size of the oil reserves in Antarctica is significant, ranking as the second-largest in the world behind the Middle East.
The reserves in Antarctica are almost double the known reserves of Saudi Arabia, the country with the second-largest proven oil reserves in the world. Venezuela holds the largest proven reserves, but they are dense and less profitable to process. The discovery in Antarctica raises questions about its impact on the environment and international relations.