Space Mining for Critical Metals to Aid Clean Energy Transition
Date
2023-12-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Saudi Digital Library
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 Near-Earth 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.
Description
The last few decades have marked significant advancements in space exploration, redefining the prospects of space mining for critical metals. Beginning with the historic Apollo mission in 1969 and continuing with recent endeavors like NASA's Artemis program, celestial bodies such as the moon have garnered attention for their potential as abundant reservoirs of valuable resources. The lunar landscape, as revealed by these missions, displays a promising array of critical metals such as platinum group metals, nickel, iron, and rare earth elements (REEs). Simultaneously, the focus has shifted to Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), envisioned as potential repositories of diverse and plentiful resources awaiting exploitation. This study delves into these developments, emphasizing the significance of these resources, particularly critical metals crucial for advancing green energy technologies.
Moreover, this investigation goes beyond mere identification, delving into the technological necessities required to materialize space mining operations. It encompasses cutting-edge exploration systems, robotic mining platforms, and innovative in-situ resource utilization techniques essential for extracting these resources. Furthermore, the study explores the intricacies and opportunities presented by mining within the KREEP lunar region. Leveraging a wealth of secondary data and rigorous laboratory examinations of lunar meteorite samples, this research presents compelling evidence confirming the existence of critical minerals tantalizingly close to the lunar surface, poised for extraction. Overall, these findings collectively underscore the profound potential of space mining, positioning it as an indispensable pillar in our pursuit of sustainable and green energy solutions for the future.
Keywords
Space mining, critical minerals, space resources, Lunar mining
Citation
Alqahtani, M. (2023). Space Mining for Critical Metals to Aid Clean Energy Transition.