Seventy-five years have passed since the Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen put the first human footprint on the South Pole in his South Pole Expedition in 1911. Natural environment, petroleum, and mineral resources of Antarctica are briefly reviewed. No petroleum or mineral deposits with economic value are discovered yet in Antarctica. However, it is thought that petroleum (and probably including minerals of Dufek stratiform gabbros) would be most promising in several decades. International stewardship of Antarctica associated with systematic investigations strengthened by modern techniques and facilities will show further possibility in other minerals.

• 장순근