N. A. Wright and P. L. Williams produced this report in 1974 on the results of surveys made in Antartica over the years. This circular summarizes the results of those surveys. Although the existence of mineral deposits in Antarctica is highly probable, if only becasue of the size of the continent, the chances of finding them are quite small [Note: The first odd statement in this report ...?]. Minerals have been found there in great variety but only as occurrences [The second odd statement made.]. Manganese nodules, water (as ice), geothermal energy, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are potential resources that could perhaps could be exploited in the future, [assuming the glaciers and mountain ice were to melt as a result of global warming, say?] On the basis of known mineral occurrences in Antarctica and relationships between geologic provinces of Antarctica and those of neighboring Gondwana continents, the best discovery probability for a base-metal deposit in any part of Antarctica is in the Andean orogen; it is estimated to be 0.075 (75 chances in 1,000). .... [Note: This is the most odd of all the statements made in the abstract, which is highly unusual for the USGS to site probabilities. This suggests that the U.S. Geological Survey has been told [perhaps by the military] to not encourage exploration by mining companies for some reason(s), either becasue of the international nature of the geographical divisions there, or to avoid conflict with the Russians, or others. The report suggest very high potential for a variety of economic minerals are likely to be present. If Antarctica climate continues to warm, chances are that prospects will be identified in outcrops from satellite and drone viewing and even sampling may be conducted soon, if not already underway].
[Historical activities: https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/20/us/antarctic-explorers-shift-goal-to-hidden-resources.html ]
[The British Geological Survey may be involved: https://discoveringantarctica.org.uk/challenges/sustainability/mineral-resources/ ]
[A 2014 Media Reporting: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-Issues/2014/0112/Antarctica-and-the-Arctic-A-polar-primer-for-the-new-great-game ]
[The Law of Agreements on Antarctica: https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3496&context=clr ]
[National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/antarctica/ ]
[Wikipedia: Natural resources in Antarctica: https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTmW_dsWcOtrE6Mx2-BL-LSSzfiGg:1581704892536&q=minerals+in+antarctica+wikipedia&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjn-Yjy1dHnAhVO7qwKHUdoBysQ1QIoAXoECAoQAg&biw=1320&bih=1277]
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