China Sets World Record After Drilling 3,413 Meters with Hot Water to Reach Lake Qilin

The People's Republic of China marked a new milestone in polar exploration on February 5, 2026, by successfully completing its first-ever hot-water ice drilling operation in Antarctica. The Ministry of Natural Resources announced the feat on April 7, 2026, specifying that the 42nd Antarctic expedition reached a record depth of 3,413 meters into the ice sheet. This achievement surpasses the previous international record for polar hot-water drilling, which stood at 2,540 meters.

This success represents a technological leap that enables research across more than 90% of the Antarctic ice sheet and the entirety of Arctic ice. The primary objective of the operation was to create an access channel to subglacial Lake Qilin in East Antarctica, a critical step toward obtaining uncontaminated samples. The hot-water drilling technology employed uses high-pressure jets to melt the ice, ensuring minimal structural disruption and preventing chemical contamination of the pristine subglacial environment. This methodology has become the international standard for exploring deep polar environments due to its superior penetration and efficiency compared to traditional mechanical methods.

The operation was conducted in accordance with "green exploration" principles, underscoring China's commitment to environmentally responsible approaches in polar development. Gaining access to Lake Qilin—officially named by China in 2022 and recognized as Antarctica's second-largest known subglacial lake—is of paramount importance for paleoclimatic research and investigating the limits of life in extreme conditions. Located in Princess Elizabeth Land, Lake Qilin has been isolated from the outside world for an estimated three and a half million years, making it an ideal reservoir of ancient climate records.

Launched in November 2025 with the support of the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, the 42nd expedition is scheduled to conclude in May 2026. Expedition leader Wei Fuhai noted that the mission demonstrates China's growing capabilities in polar research and makes a significant contribution to global glaciology and climatology. The mission also involves upgrading the infrastructure at China's Qinling Station, including research facilities and communication networks.

The technological breakthrough achieved during the experiment integrated equipment specifically designed for polar conditions, successfully overcoming challenges related to high-precision, large-diameter, and clean drilling at depths exceeding 3,000 meters. The successful demonstration of the drill's rapid, deep-reach performance has laid the foundation for in-situ detection and sampling of Antarctica's deep subglacial lakes. Furthermore, the system complies with Antarctic Treaty requirements regarding peaceful use and environmental protection, including rigorous sterilization procedures to prevent biological contamination.