XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 373
valuable insights into the feasibility, geological and envi-
ronmental impact of space mining in our energy transition.
The combination of a literature review and lab examination
of meteorite concentration of minerals provides a robust
methodology for this study. The analysis and interpreta-
tion of data from these sources contribute to an inclusive
understanding of the possibility of mining space for energy
transition. The findings of this research provide valuable
insights to inform decision-makers in the field of space
resource exploration and utilization in order to foster our
transition to clean energy.
Literature Review and Meta-analysis
The first methodology source involves conducting a system-
atic literature review from four primary studies and refer-
ences to gather current research on space mining for REEs:
• Laul, J.C., Wakita, H., Showalter, D.L., Boynton,
W.V., &Schmitt, R.A. (1971)
• Laul, J.C., &Schmitt, R.A. (1975, March)
• Warren, P.H., &Wasson, J.T. (1979).
• Korotev, R.L. (2009).
The research utilized trustworthy academic databases, such
as Web of Science, NASA, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to
access a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles rel-
evant to space mining and energy transition. The articles
were screened based on their relevance to the topic of space
mining, meteorites, and lunar exploration. The inclusion
criteria of UCL research resources considered the alignment
with the research objectives and the quality of the articles’
sources. Articles meeting the criteria were investigated for
further analysis such as citation, and research objectivity.
Lab Examination
The second methodology involves conducting a lab exami-
nation on NWA 13951 Lunar Meteorite to determine the
concentration of critical metals such as Fe, Ni and Rare
Earth Elements (REEs). The lunar meteorite sample is
sourced from The Meteorite Exchange, Inc. Attention is
given to the authenticity and documentation of the sample.
The collected meteorite sample has undergone careful prep-
aration to ensure homogeneity and representative composi-
tion. Crushing and homogenization techniques have been
employed to create a suitable sample for analysis by using
a Shaker mill. The concentration of minerals in the NWA
13951 Lunar Meteorite sample (Figure 5) is analysed using
the advanced analytical technique of X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS), Optical microscopy (OM), Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray
Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM). The selection of the analytical technique is depen-
dent on factors such as desired accuracy, sensitivity, and
sample acquired. It provides accurate measurements of the
concentration of minerals in the meteorite. Further details
on the analytical techniques are provided in the below sub-
sections (Table 4). The results are represented to enable
insights into the potential resource value of minerals in
space for our energy transition.
Table 3. Evolution of the composition of the KREEP component (lunar) and concentrations of REEs based on various references
Concentration values in µg/g (PPM)
Elements Laul et al 1971 Laul and Schmitt 1975 Warren and Wasson 1979
La 108 110 —
Ce 297 200 270
Nd — 180 80
Y — — 300
Eu 3 3.2 —
Dy — 60 65
Yb —39 — 36
Lu 5.7 5 —
Tb 10 — —
Sm 49 — —
Gd — — 57
Sc 25 20 23
Ho — — 14
Er — — 39
Source: (Laul et al. 1971 Laul and Schmitt 1975 Warren and Wasson 1979)
Source: (McLeod and Krekeler 2017)
valuable insights into the feasibility, geological and envi-
ronmental impact of space mining in our energy transition.
The combination of a literature review and lab examination
of meteorite concentration of minerals provides a robust
methodology for this study. The analysis and interpreta-
tion of data from these sources contribute to an inclusive
understanding of the possibility of mining space for energy
transition. The findings of this research provide valuable
insights to inform decision-makers in the field of space
resource exploration and utilization in order to foster our
transition to clean energy.
Literature Review and Meta-analysis
The first methodology source involves conducting a system-
atic literature review from four primary studies and refer-
ences to gather current research on space mining for REEs:
• Laul, J.C., Wakita, H., Showalter, D.L., Boynton,
W.V., &Schmitt, R.A. (1971)
• Laul, J.C., &Schmitt, R.A. (1975, March)
• Warren, P.H., &Wasson, J.T. (1979).
• Korotev, R.L. (2009).
The research utilized trustworthy academic databases, such
as Web of Science, NASA, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to
access a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles rel-
evant to space mining and energy transition. The articles
were screened based on their relevance to the topic of space
mining, meteorites, and lunar exploration. The inclusion
criteria of UCL research resources considered the alignment
with the research objectives and the quality of the articles’
sources. Articles meeting the criteria were investigated for
further analysis such as citation, and research objectivity.
Lab Examination
The second methodology involves conducting a lab exami-
nation on NWA 13951 Lunar Meteorite to determine the
concentration of critical metals such as Fe, Ni and Rare
Earth Elements (REEs). The lunar meteorite sample is
sourced from The Meteorite Exchange, Inc. Attention is
given to the authenticity and documentation of the sample.
The collected meteorite sample has undergone careful prep-
aration to ensure homogeneity and representative composi-
tion. Crushing and homogenization techniques have been
employed to create a suitable sample for analysis by using
a Shaker mill. The concentration of minerals in the NWA
13951 Lunar Meteorite sample (Figure 5) is analysed using
the advanced analytical technique of X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS), Optical microscopy (OM), Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray
Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM). The selection of the analytical technique is depen-
dent on factors such as desired accuracy, sensitivity, and
sample acquired. It provides accurate measurements of the
concentration of minerals in the meteorite. Further details
on the analytical techniques are provided in the below sub-
sections (Table 4). The results are represented to enable
insights into the potential resource value of minerals in
space for our energy transition.
Table 3. Evolution of the composition of the KREEP component (lunar) and concentrations of REEs based on various references
Concentration values in µg/g (PPM)
Elements Laul et al 1971 Laul and Schmitt 1975 Warren and Wasson 1979
La 108 110 —
Ce 297 200 270
Nd — 180 80
Y — — 300
Eu 3 3.2 —
Dy — 60 65
Yb —39 — 36
Lu 5.7 5 —
Tb 10 — —
Sm 49 — —
Gd — — 57
Sc 25 20 23
Ho — — 14
Er — — 39
Source: (Laul et al. 1971 Laul and Schmitt 1975 Warren and Wasson 1979)
Source: (McLeod and Krekeler 2017)