Forget the space race, a lunar gold rush is about to start. Here's why that's a problem

May 31, 2019

The moon is seen during a total lunar eclipse, known as the "Super Blood Wolf Moon" in Colliguay, Chile January 20, 2019. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido - RC1EFC263EA0

The moon has huge potential for mining operations. Image: REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

Gareth Dorrian

Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Space Science, University of Birmingham

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Mountain peak in Tycho crater on the Moon could be a future mining prospect.Mountain peak in Tycho crater on the Moon could be a future mining prospect. Image: NASA Goddard/Arizona State University

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