The race to get back to the Moon is as much about exploration as it is about minerals.
NASA is ready to launch Artemis II On Wednesday (April 1), four astronauts will be sent on a lunar flyby that will pave the way for future landings and a possible moon base.
While the mission marks the return of crewed deep space travel after more than 50 years, it is also focusing attention on the Moon’s resource potential—particularly rare Earth elements and other critical minerals.
Scientists say the Moon contains many of the same substances found on Earth, including rare earths, iron and titanium, with the possibility that some areas may have higher concentrations.
“The Moon has the same elements that are here on Earth,” said planetary scientist Sarah Russell. told the BBC. “An example is rare earth elements, which are very rare on Earth, and there may be parts of the Moon where these are concentrated enough that they can be mined.”
Water is another major factor. Ice deposited at the lunar poles could support continued operations and could be converted into fuel, making them strategically important for long-term industrial activity.
The US$93 billion program is a testament to how governments are striving towards resource security. The Moon is being seen as a potential extension of supply chains related to energy, defense and advanced manufacturing.
Similarly, China has rapidly expanded its lunar program and is aiming for a crewed landing By 2030.
While the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prevents nations from claiming sovereignty over the Moon, it does not prohibit the use of resources. This pushes competition toward access rather than ownership, which is likely to concentrate on areas with the highest resource potential.
At the same time, governments are accelerating efforts to secure critical minerals on Earth.
USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ:USAR) is linked to a proposed US$1.6 billion The US funding package aims to build a domestic mine-to-magnet supply chain.
The plan includes both equity investments and debt financing associated with processing and magnet production capacity as well as the development of the Round Top deposit in Texas.
However, the approach carries execution risks. Many US projects are in the early stages, and questions remain over cost and technical feasibility.
But policymakers are willing to support such developments, even if the business outcomes are uncertain.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Gian Liguid, do not have any direct investment interest in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
