GOLD RUSH in space

fastrudy

One of many articles regarding the availability of huge resources of precious metals in asteroids. It is dated, so the value statements are seriously underestimated. The amounts in tons are valid, however. I remember reading about this in Scientific American a while back and the analysis is also valid.

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The economic effects of mining justone of these puppies would be devastating to the metals market on Earth. We can't drill to the Earth's core (where most of the precious metals wound up), but some asteroids are pieces of differentiated bodies, in which the cores are already exposed.

Just a little Friday food for thought.

topstuf

I'll take some plain old Earth gold at the prices in that article.

flaminio

<< <i>The economic effects of mining justone of these puppies would be devastating to the metals market on Earth. >>

Devasting perhaps to the metals market, but a net positive for Earth's economy as a whole. There are many, many applications for gold and other precious metals that just aren't done because it's too expensive.

And for a bonus, common gold could be put back into circulating coinage.

topstuf

<< <i>And for a bonus, common gold could be put back into circulating coinage. >>



Luvvit. If gold becomes worthless again, they'll let us use it for money. What a great place.