This archive report was first published on 15 January 2020.
On January 14, 2020, Brazil will officially open its new research base in Antarctica, marking a significant milestone in the country's scientific endeavors.
The base, located on King George Island, is the result of an $100 million investment by the Brazilian government. The new facility replaces the original Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station, which was destroyed in a 2012 fire caused by a fuel leak.
Two Brazilian soldiers lost their lives in the blaze, but scientific research continued in a temporary installation. The new base, built by Chinese state-owned company CEIEC, features 17 laboratories and can accommodate 64 people.
Since its establishment in 1984, the Antarctic base has been used for research into various fields, including meteorology, biology, chemistry, and medicine. Brazil joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1975, which aims to reduce the likelihood of territorial disputes in the region.
Today, about 30 countries operate research bases in Antarctica, all of which are members of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.
