Humans will soon be able to mine on the Moon. But should we? 4 questions to consider

[Still Waters]

By the end of this decade,nations and private companies may well be mining the surface of the Moon.

But as space becomes accessible to more nations and corporations, we need to stop and ask ourselves what commercial activities we want to allow, including on the Moon.

Now is the time to create the rules and regulations that will protect humanity’s shared future in space and ensure the Moon remains a symbol and inspiration for generations to come.

https://theconversation.com/humans-will-soon-be-able-to-mine-on-the-moon-but-should-we-4-questions-to-consider-242016

[+susieice]

We'll alter the moon's environment just like we did Earth. We'll probably fight over resources also.

[Portre]

Imagine Amazon warehouse, only Bezos also controls your air and water.

[Hazzard]

On 1/3/2025 at 4:34 PM, Still Waters said:

By the end of this decade,nations and private companies may well be mining the surface of the Moon.

But as space becomes accessible to more nations and corporations, we need to stop and ask ourselves what commercial activities we want to allow, including on the Moon.

Now is the time to create the rules and regulations that will protect humanity’s shared future in space and ensure the Moon remains a symbol and inspiration for generations to come.

https://theconversation.com/humans-will-soon-be-able-to-mine-on-the-moon-but-should-we-4-questions-to-consider-242016

I say go for it. We need to get our butts out there!  

[Procyon]

Agreed, but as @Portre was saying we might get something like "The Outer Worlds" if we're not careful. I wouldn't want to end up an indentured servant to some multibillionaire on a lawless, airless wasteland where they can just vent the atmosphere in habitation if the workers don't get with the program.

Fortunately, since mining these days is really more of a skilled trade, and anyone who goes up there would probably need to be highly trained, I expect companies will send their best and be disincentivized to mistreat them.

No, what we need to worry about is inter-corporate moon piracy. You might be fine living in New Bezostan, but what happens when the minerals in Appletopia run dry and they decide to come take yours?

[openozy]

Seeing the moon has a vital effect on earth's rotation, tides and other it would be insane to mess with it in any way. They will because they don't even show respect for the planet we live on. As we all know, money is way more important than life here.