Mineral resources of Mars based on decades of sample analysis

Abstract Previous studies of martian resources focused nearly exclusively on using CO 2 from the atmosphere and H 2 O from near-surface ice or hydrated minerals to create life support consumables, and propellant for ascent vehicles. Where non-volatile mineral resources have been discussed, they have been treated speculatively with little support from the sample collection. Here, I draw on decades’ worth of data from in-situ exploration by rovers and from martian meteorites to assess the potential mineral resources of Mars. This comes at an inflection point between what could be some of the last large robotic missions to Mars, and the beginning of commercialization and crewed missions. I compile the highest concentrations of 83 naturally occurring elements and compare them to typical ore grades on Earth to assess which may be practical to extract and which will need to be supplied from Earth for the foreseeable future. Sample-based studies support probable ore deposits in Gale crater and Jezero crater including Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits, porphyry copper-like deposits, and heavy mineral sands deposits. Possible indicators for these deposit types are compiled and mapped globally using past orbital measurements and compared to locations where water ice resources are known or suspected. Other more speculative deposit types may be found in still-unexplored geologic environments like long-lived hydrothermal systems and highly evolved igneous terrains.