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Space Mining for Critical Metals to Aid Clean Energy Transition
Majed S. Alqahtani
University College of London, London, UK
University of South Australia, Future Industries Institute (FII), UNISA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Richmond K. Asmaoah
University of South Australia, Future Industries Institute (FII), UNISA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
ABSTRACT: Significant progress has been achieved since the historic Apollo mission of 1969, propelling the
concept of space mining for critical metals into the spotlight as a vital contributor to the clean energy transition.
Recent advances in lunar exploration, typified by NASA’s Artemis program, have unveiled promising indications
of critical metals adorning the moon’s surface, including platinum group metals, nickel, iron, and rare earth
elements (REEs). Concurrently, the scientific community has cast its gaze upon NearEarth Asteroids (NEA),
envisaging rich and diverse resource prospects awaiting exploitation. This study embarks on an exploration of
these advancements in space exploration, focusing on the identification of prospective resources both on the
lunar landscape and within NEAs, with a particular emphasis on critical metals integral to the proliferation of
green energy technologies. Delving deeper, this investigation unveils the technological prerequisites essential for
the realization of space mining operations, encompassing state-of-the-art exploration systems, robotic mining
platforms, and innovative in-situ resource utilization techniques. Additionally, it delves into the complexities
and opportunities inherent to mining within the KREEP lunar region. Drawing from a wealth of secondary
data and rigorous laboratory examinations of lunar meteorite samples, this study provides compelling evidence
of the presence of critical minerals tantalizingly close to the lunar surface, poised for extraction. These findings
collectively underscore the profound potential of space mining as an indispensable cornerstone in our pursuit
of sustainable, green energy solutions.
Keywords: Space mining, critical minerals, space resources, lunar mining
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
SSPS—Space Solar Panels Stations
IEA—International Energy Agency
kg/MW—Kilograms per Megawatt
M-type—Asteroids Metallic asteroids
NEAs—Near-Earth asteroids
REE—Rare Earth elements
KREEP—A region in the moon nearside
INTRODUCTION
Research Background and Significance
The world is in the midst of a global energy transition.
The pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(GHGs), minimize environmental harm, and transition
towards sustainable energy sources presents a significant
global challenge. This challenge involves shifting away
from conventional energy sources, like fossil fuels, towards
Space Mining for Critical Metals to Aid Clean Energy Transition
Majed S. Alqahtani
University College of London, London, UK
University of South Australia, Future Industries Institute (FII), UNISA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Richmond K. Asmaoah
University of South Australia, Future Industries Institute (FII), UNISA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
ABSTRACT: Significant progress has been achieved since the historic Apollo mission of 1969, propelling the
concept of space mining for critical metals into the spotlight as a vital contributor to the clean energy transition.
Recent advances in lunar exploration, typified by NASA’s Artemis program, have unveiled promising indications
of critical metals adorning the moon’s surface, including platinum group metals, nickel, iron, and rare earth
elements (REEs). Concurrently, the scientific community has cast its gaze upon NearEarth Asteroids (NEA),
envisaging rich and diverse resource prospects awaiting exploitation. This study embarks on an exploration of
these advancements in space exploration, focusing on the identification of prospective resources both on the
lunar landscape and within NEAs, with a particular emphasis on critical metals integral to the proliferation of
green energy technologies. Delving deeper, this investigation unveils the technological prerequisites essential for
the realization of space mining operations, encompassing state-of-the-art exploration systems, robotic mining
platforms, and innovative in-situ resource utilization techniques. Additionally, it delves into the complexities
and opportunities inherent to mining within the KREEP lunar region. Drawing from a wealth of secondary
data and rigorous laboratory examinations of lunar meteorite samples, this study provides compelling evidence
of the presence of critical minerals tantalizingly close to the lunar surface, poised for extraction. These findings
collectively underscore the profound potential of space mining as an indispensable cornerstone in our pursuit
of sustainable, green energy solutions.
Keywords: Space mining, critical minerals, space resources, lunar mining
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
SSPS—Space Solar Panels Stations
IEA—International Energy Agency
kg/MW—Kilograms per Megawatt
M-type—Asteroids Metallic asteroids
NEAs—Near-Earth asteroids
REE—Rare Earth elements
KREEP—A region in the moon nearside
INTRODUCTION
Research Background and Significance
The world is in the midst of a global energy transition.
The pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(GHGs), minimize environmental harm, and transition
towards sustainable energy sources presents a significant
global challenge. This challenge involves shifting away
from conventional energy sources, like fossil fuels, towards