Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities

New Zealand [1988]

Also known as: CRAMRA, Wellington Convention

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July 13, 2026

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The Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (CRAMRA), also known as the Wellington Convention, was signed in New Zealand in 1988 by 33 nations. It aimed to manage the exploitation of Antarctica's nonrenewable resources, a topic not covered by the original Antarctic Treaty. However, CRAMRA never entered into force. Instead, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, finalized in Madrid in 1991 and effective in 1998, banned all mining activities in Antarctica, designating the continent as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. This protocol also regulates all other activities impacting the Antarctic environment.12

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…New Zealand of a new Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (CRAMRA), also known as the Wellington Convention, by the representatives of 33 nations. The consultative parties designed CRAMRA to manage the exploitation and development of Antarctica’s nonrenewable resources, a subject not covered under the original 1959…
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…New Zealand of a new Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (CRAMRA), also known as the Wellington Convention, by the representatives of 33 nations. The consultative parties designed CRAMRA to manage the exploitation and development of Antarctica’s nonrenewable resources, a subject not covered under the original 1959…
Read More