Australia begins clean-up of hazardous waste in Antarctica

Australia has started cleaning up Wilkes Station in Antarctica after a French inspection team raised concerns about hazardous waste at the site. The initial clean-up removed 14 cubic meters of surface waste, including metal and debris. Wilkes Station, abandoned since 1969, contains old buildings and rusting fuel drums, posing environmental risks. The clean-up is part of a larger $14.3 million program aimed at addressing contamination in Antarctica. While the recent efforts mark progress, full remediation may take years due to the site's complexity and harsh conditions. The Australian Antarctic Division plans to continue the clean-up in stages.