XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 385
2024, will explore potential resources on the Moon’s
south pole. This operation will provide invaluable
data of resources for future ISRU activities.
CONCLUSION &RECOMMENDATION
The prospect of space mining has transitioned from a
theoretical concept to a technologically feasible reality in
today’s context. As demonstrated by the extensive body of
research conducted by experts such as Ross and his contem-
poraries, it is evident that we possess the necessary tools and
knowledge to initiate space mining operations on a small
scale. However, the challenges we face are predominantly
rooted in the sustainable and economic development of
these attempts. Ross’s studies, among others, underscore
the complexities associated with space mining, stressing
the need for innovative solutions to address these key chal-
lenges effectively. The development of In-Situ Resource
Utilization (ISRU) techniques and the utilization of 3D
printing technologies play a pivotal and indispensable role
in advancing the field of space mining.
Evidently, the work of Laul Wakita, Laul and Schmitt,
Warren and Wasson, as well as Korotev, stands as a testa-
ment to the potential riches awaiting exploration beyond
our planet. Their discoveries of mineral traces within the
samples collected from space resources not only confirm the
existence of valuable materials but also serve as a compelling
sign of our capacity to extract and utilize these resources
for the benefit of future moon exploration and, ultimately,
our sustainable future. While significant progress has been
made, further research and development efforts are essen-
tial to unlock the full potential of space mining and pave
the way for a new era of resource utilization beyond Earth’s
boundaries.
In the lunar meteorite sample we analysed, a significant
abundance of critical raw materials and highrisk elements
was observed, with a lower concentration of Rare Earth
Elements (REEs). This finding underscores the importance
of further research and exploration for REEs and critical
minerals in space, particularly on lunar bodies and celestial
bodies. Identifying and harnessing these essential resources
from space can play a crucial role in addressing resource
scarcity challenges on earth for energy transition to clean
energy.
RECOMMENDATION
It is suggested that the next studies conduct comprehensive
mineralogical studies on the KREEP rocks of the moon to
understand its mineral composition and resource poten-
tial, while simultaneously researching lightweight In-Situ
Resource Utilization (ISRU) technology to enable efficient
lunar resource extraction and utilization for future missions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr.
Richmond Asamoah for his invaluable guidance, unwav-
ering support, and expert supervision throughout this
research. Dr. Asamoah’s mentorship and dedication have
been instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of
this study.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Chris
Bassell, Susie Ritch, Dr Alex Cavallaro and James Dankwah
for their contributions and assistance, which greatly
enhanced the progress and outcomes of this research. Their
expertise and collaborative spirit were truly invaluable
REFERENCES &BIBLIOGRAPHIES
Ambrose, Rob, Brian Wilcox, Ben Reed, Larry Matthies,
Dave Lavery, and Dave Korsmeyer.
2010. “DRAFT RoboTics, Tele-RoboTics and Autonomous
Systems Roadmap Technology Area 04.”
Amos, Jonathan. 2018. “Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy Rocket
Launches Successfully.” BBC News.
Analytica, Oxford. 2018. “Asteroid Mining Becomes
a Serious Proposition.” Emerald Expert Briefings
(oxan-db).
Axora. 2020. “Mining’s Robotic Future.”
Baiocco, Paolo. 2021. “Overview of Reusable Space Systems
with a Look to Technology Aspects.” Acta Astronautica
189:10–25. doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.07.039.
Black, James, Linda Slapakova, and Kevin Martin. 2022.
“Future Uses of Space out to 2050.” RAND Corporation.
Blanchette-Seguin, Virginie. 2016. “Reaching for the
Moon: Mining in Outer Space.” NYUJ Int’l L. &Pol.
49:959.
Calla, Pablo, Dan Fries, and Chris Welch. 2018. “Asteroid
Mining with Small Spacecraft and Its Economic
Feasibility.” ArXiv E-Prints arXiv-1808.
Calvo, Guiomar, and Alicia Valero. 2022. “Strategic Mineral
Resources: Availability and Future Estimations for the
Renewable Energy Sector.” Environmental Development
41:100640.
Cannon, Kevin M., Matt Gialich, and Jose Acain. 2023.
“Precious and Structural Metals on Asteroids.”
Planetary and Space Science 225:105608.
Center Johnson Space. 2019. “In-Situ Resource Utilization
(ISRU).” 1.
Chodas, Paul. 2019. “Discovery Statistics.” NASA JPL
Center for Near Earth Object Studies 24.
2024, will explore potential resources on the Moon’s
south pole. This operation will provide invaluable
data of resources for future ISRU activities.
CONCLUSION &RECOMMENDATION
The prospect of space mining has transitioned from a
theoretical concept to a technologically feasible reality in
today’s context. As demonstrated by the extensive body of
research conducted by experts such as Ross and his contem-
poraries, it is evident that we possess the necessary tools and
knowledge to initiate space mining operations on a small
scale. However, the challenges we face are predominantly
rooted in the sustainable and economic development of
these attempts. Ross’s studies, among others, underscore
the complexities associated with space mining, stressing
the need for innovative solutions to address these key chal-
lenges effectively. The development of In-Situ Resource
Utilization (ISRU) techniques and the utilization of 3D
printing technologies play a pivotal and indispensable role
in advancing the field of space mining.
Evidently, the work of Laul Wakita, Laul and Schmitt,
Warren and Wasson, as well as Korotev, stands as a testa-
ment to the potential riches awaiting exploration beyond
our planet. Their discoveries of mineral traces within the
samples collected from space resources not only confirm the
existence of valuable materials but also serve as a compelling
sign of our capacity to extract and utilize these resources
for the benefit of future moon exploration and, ultimately,
our sustainable future. While significant progress has been
made, further research and development efforts are essen-
tial to unlock the full potential of space mining and pave
the way for a new era of resource utilization beyond Earth’s
boundaries.
In the lunar meteorite sample we analysed, a significant
abundance of critical raw materials and highrisk elements
was observed, with a lower concentration of Rare Earth
Elements (REEs). This finding underscores the importance
of further research and exploration for REEs and critical
minerals in space, particularly on lunar bodies and celestial
bodies. Identifying and harnessing these essential resources
from space can play a crucial role in addressing resource
scarcity challenges on earth for energy transition to clean
energy.
RECOMMENDATION
It is suggested that the next studies conduct comprehensive
mineralogical studies on the KREEP rocks of the moon to
understand its mineral composition and resource poten-
tial, while simultaneously researching lightweight In-Situ
Resource Utilization (ISRU) technology to enable efficient
lunar resource extraction and utilization for future missions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr.
Richmond Asamoah for his invaluable guidance, unwav-
ering support, and expert supervision throughout this
research. Dr. Asamoah’s mentorship and dedication have
been instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of
this study.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Chris
Bassell, Susie Ritch, Dr Alex Cavallaro and James Dankwah
for their contributions and assistance, which greatly
enhanced the progress and outcomes of this research. Their
expertise and collaborative spirit were truly invaluable
REFERENCES &BIBLIOGRAPHIES
Ambrose, Rob, Brian Wilcox, Ben Reed, Larry Matthies,
Dave Lavery, and Dave Korsmeyer.
2010. “DRAFT RoboTics, Tele-RoboTics and Autonomous
Systems Roadmap Technology Area 04.”
Amos, Jonathan. 2018. “Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy Rocket
Launches Successfully.” BBC News.
Analytica, Oxford. 2018. “Asteroid Mining Becomes
a Serious Proposition.” Emerald Expert Briefings
(oxan-db).
Axora. 2020. “Mining’s Robotic Future.”
Baiocco, Paolo. 2021. “Overview of Reusable Space Systems
with a Look to Technology Aspects.” Acta Astronautica
189:10–25. doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.07.039.
Black, James, Linda Slapakova, and Kevin Martin. 2022.
“Future Uses of Space out to 2050.” RAND Corporation.
Blanchette-Seguin, Virginie. 2016. “Reaching for the
Moon: Mining in Outer Space.” NYUJ Int’l L. &Pol.
49:959.
Calla, Pablo, Dan Fries, and Chris Welch. 2018. “Asteroid
Mining with Small Spacecraft and Its Economic
Feasibility.” ArXiv E-Prints arXiv-1808.
Calvo, Guiomar, and Alicia Valero. 2022. “Strategic Mineral
Resources: Availability and Future Estimations for the
Renewable Energy Sector.” Environmental Development
41:100640.
Cannon, Kevin M., Matt Gialich, and Jose Acain. 2023.
“Precious and Structural Metals on Asteroids.”
Planetary and Space Science 225:105608.
Center Johnson Space. 2019. “In-Situ Resource Utilization
(ISRU).” 1.
Chodas, Paul. 2019. “Discovery Statistics.” NASA JPL
Center for Near Earth Object Studies 24.