A unique type of rock that has been discovered to often encase diamonds has been discovered in Antartica for the first time, leading scientists to believe that vast mineral treasures can be found in the icy continent.
Ironically, mining has been banned in Antartica, thus putting further research endeavors on hold as of now.
No actual Antarctic diamonds were found but scientists said they were sure gems were hidden somewhere in there.
"It would be very surprising if there weren't diamonds in these kimberlites," shared Canberra-based researcher Greg Yaxley of the Australian National University in a telephone interview.
As part of a study for Nature Communications, a team led by Australians reportedly found kimberlite deposits near Mount Meredith located in the Prince Charles Mountains in East Antartica. Previous studies have shown that kimberlite is a rare rock specimen where diamonds can often be found. It was named after a town in South Africa called Kimberley, which was the center of a diamond rush in late 19th-century.
Despite the possibility of Antarctic diamonds, the search for Antartica diamonds would have to be put off due to the existence of a treaty that strictly prohibits mining. On top of the harsh and remote area, the 1991 environmental treaty serves to protect its wildlife, from its native seals to penguins and has banned mining for the next 50 years.
The Antarctic Treaty is expected to extend until 2041 and is binding only to its 50 signatories which includes the United States and China.
"I don't think it's terribly practical that anyone could actually explore successfully and, personally, I hope that mining does not take place," Yaxley shared in the same interview.
Other geologists had their doubts that the find could lead to significant commericial value. British Antarctic Survey's Teal Riley said that less than 10 percent of the deposits of this type of kimberlite are economically viable.
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