Although coal, hydrocarbons, iron ore, platinum, copper, chromium, nickel, gold and other minerals have been found, they have not been in large enough quantities to exploit. The 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty also restricts a struggle for resources. In 1998, a compromise agreement was reached to place an indefinite ban on mining, to be reviewed in 2048, further limiting economic development and exploitation. The primary economic activity is the capture and offshore trading of fish. Antarctic fisheries in 2000–01 reported landing 112,934 tonnes. COUNT 5
QSN1 What does the Protocol on Environmental Protection seek to regulate? ANS1 resources QSN2 In what year was an agreement reached to ban mining in Antarctica? ANS2 1998 QSN3 When will the mining ban be reviewed? ANS3 2048 QSN4 What is the major economic activity near Antarctica? ANS4 trading of fish QSN5 How many tonnes of fish were reported caught in 2000-01? ANS5 112,934 tonnes