Placing lunar resources research in the context of mining feasibility studies

There is an increasing volume of academic research into aspects of potential commercial Space Resource Utilisation (SRU), particularly on the Moon. This research spans the spectrum of geological, technical, legal, environmental, economic and commercial aspects. The mining industry utilises the feasibility study process to evaluate pertinent elements of a potential mine project development on Earth. This article uses the terrestrial mining industry feasibility study process as a framework within which to summarise and categorise research into potential commercial SRU activities, with a focus on lunar SRU. The article concludes that little, if any, of the research to date into commercial SRU would meet the standards required for a ‘rough order of magnitude’ study, let alone a more comprehensive study within the feasibility study process. • Mining industry uses feasibility study process to evaluate projects and raise finance. • Commercial SRU may require similar process to raise the substantial funding needed. • Extensive research has been published in many facets of commercial SRU. • Combined the research does not meet the criteria for a rough order of magnitude study. • Reasons include uncertainty around geology, legal regime, fiscal imposts, markets.