Antarctica is now the scene of increasing scientific activity and speculation about its natural resources. This new study is a thorough scientific and economic assessment of the mining potential of Antarctica. The author challenges the general view that should minerals be found in significant quantities, it would be uneconomic to exploit them. Experience gained during the past decade of mining in the Arctic is integrated with Antarctic geological and geophysical facts, to show that for certain precious and strategic minerals - such as platinum - a serious economic case can be made for considering the controlled exploitation of Antarctic deposits. Environmentalists; international lawyers; mineral economists; mine engineers; geologists.