Proposed construction and operation of new Chinese research station – Australian Antarctic Program (News 2025)

A draft complete environmental analysis (CEE) for the proposed development and operation of a brand new Chinese language analysis station in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica, is open for public remark.

Particulars of the proposed development and operation of a brand new Chinese language analysis station in Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica, are contained within the draft CEE, offered to all Antarctic Treaty Events in accordance with the Protocol on Environmental Safety to the Antarctic Treaty (Environmental Protocol). 

The draft CEE describes a proposal by China to assemble and function a seasonal (summer time solely) analysis station at Cox Level in Marie Byrd Land, to offer assist for logistics and scientific analysis. The said function of the brand new station is to function a global hub for numerous fields of examine, particularly associated to marine and world local weather change. Analysis is deliberate to deal with climate patterns, atmospheric interactions with ice and ocean, glacier motion, environmental monitoring, house physics, and geological research.

Actions detailed within the draft CEE embody development and upkeep of the brand new analysis station, transportation of products and personnel, and the administration and monitoring of environmental impacts.

An digital copy of the draft CEE is on the market on-line on the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat Web site at: https://www.ats.aq/e/eia.html

The deadline for public remark is 5:00pm AEDT Monday 14 April 2025.

Please submit feedback through e mail: EIA@aad.gov.au

Or through mail:

Gillian Slocum

Director, Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Part

Coverage and Technique Department

Australian Antarctic Division

GPO Field 3090, Canberra Metropolis ACT 2601