Coal is formed from ancient plant matter that accumulated in warm, swampy environments. The South Pole has been a frozen wasteland for millions of years, making it impossible for coal to form there.

There are, however, coal deposits found in Antarctica, but these are located in areas that were much warmer and more hospitable millions of years ago, when the continent was situated in a different location.

The discovery of these ancient coal deposits is a testament to the vast changes in Earth's climate and geography over time.