Space mining: Sustainability for the future

This research analyzes the viability and impact of space mining on asteroids as a solution to the depletion of mineral resources on Earth, considering that reserves of key elements such as mercury (92%), silver (79%), gold (75%), arsenic (75%), iron (28%), aluminum (15%) and copper (50%) are being depleted, affecting essential sectors such as construction, telecommunications and metallurgy. While terrestrial mining has caused irreversible environmental damage to vital ecosystems, space mining emerges as an alternative to mitigate resource scarcity and as a milestone towards a sustainable space age. This challenge requires innovation, research and global cooperation that transcends borders. Space mining is emerging as a transformative response to mineral scarcity, capable of reducing the environmental impacts of terrestrial mining while promoting sustainability. Through international policies, technological advances and joint efforts, this initiative opens doors to an interplanetary future full of opportunities for humanity. Keywords: Asterank, Asteroids, Celestial Bodies, Mining, Space Mining

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
Published
2025-01-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59332/jbis-077-07-0214
Primary Topic
Space exploration and regulation
Type
article
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article

Space mining: Sustainability for the future

Laura Hermosa Muñoz, E. Ortiz, John Petearson Anzola Anzola
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
Space exploration and regulation
article

Space mining: Sustainability for the future

Laura Hermosa Muñoz, E. Ortiz, John Petearson Anzola Anzola
article en

Abstract

This research analyzes the viability and impact of space mining on asteroids as a solution to the depletion of mineral resources on Earth, considering that reserves of key elements such as mercury (92%), silver (79%), gold (75%), arsenic (75%), iron (28%), aluminum (15%) and copper (50%) are being depleted, affecting essential sectors such as construction, telecommunications and metallurgy. While terrestrial mining has caused irreversible environmental damage to vital ecosystems, space mining emerges as an alternative to mitigate resource scarcity and as a milestone towards a sustainable space age. This challenge requires innovation, research and global cooperation that transcends borders. Space mining is emerging as a transformative response to mineral scarcity, capable of reducing the environmental impacts of terrestrial mining while promoting sustainability. Through international policies, technological advances and joint efforts, this initiative opens doors to an interplanetary future full of opportunities for humanity. Keywords: Asterank, Asteroids, Celestial Bodies, Mining, Space Mining

Journal of the British Interplanetary SocietyVol. 77(7)
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Space exploration and regulation
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Space mining: Sustainability for the future — Laura Hermosa Muñoz, E. Ortiz, et al. · Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS