Interstellar Law: Space Mining

INTERSTELLAR LAW: SPACE MININGWhy are we discussing Space Mining?It is clear that mining activities in space are inevitable. On Earth, many resources are scarce. These resources, such as certain minerals and rare earth elements (the latter of which is used in high tech), date back to the creation of the solar system. On Earth, however, these resources have been subject to factors such as erosion, shifting of the tectonic plates and continental drift – making access to these resources difficult at best.The net result is that the price and value of these resources on Earth are quite expensive.These resources are, however, available in the solar system in large quantities. The lack of erosion on asteroids, for example, has preserved the rare earth elements.Furthermore, the environment on other planets may result in expansion in resource availability. Or indeed, as space exploration expands, you will see the discovery of new, yet unknown, resources that could produce a new era of technology.The highlight of this work is the inclusion of a Draft Model Law for Space Mining.This is Mr. Risman’s 15th law text. Mr. Risman is an Honours LL.B. graduate from the University of London, and obtained his LL.M from the same institution. Mr. Risman is a member of the Society of Legal Scholars of the United Kingdom and Ireland. He has advised the UK Supreme Court, and has spoken at Legal Conferences in the UK and abroad.