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Rehabilitation of lunar mining: extractable elements, restoration challenges, Industry 5.0 and differences from Earth-based mining.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Rehabilitation of lunar mining: extractable elements, restoration challenges, Industry 5.0 and differences from Earth-based mining.
Authors: Sarkheil, Hamid1 (AUTHOR) sarkheil@ut.ac.ir, Salahjou, Taha1 (AUTHOR), Falahatgar, Fatemeh1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Advances in Space Research. Jun2026, Vol. 77 Issue 12, p11962-11993. 32p.
Subjects: Moon, Extraterrestrial resources, Resource management, Minerals, Sustainability
Abstract: Lunar mining represents a crucial advancement for humanity, propelled by scientific progress and the strategic significance of extraterrestrial resources. The Procellarum-Imbrium and South Pole–Aitken Basin priority regions may contain rare earth elements, helium-3 and water ice, which can be utilized for propulsion, life support and fusion energy. The Moon's severe temperatures, vacuum and absence of an atmosphere and life render extraction and post-mining exceedingly challenging. In contrast to Earth, site restoration must rely on engineered systems rather than ecological processes. The Outer Space Treaty and the nonbinding Artemis Accords establish governance guidelines; yet a comprehensive and enforceable regulatory framework is absent. For sustainability, operations require improved autonomy, in-situ manufacturing, closed-loop recycling and adaptable infrastructure to respond to terrestrial changes. Industry 5.0 technologies, such as collaborative robotics, 4D printing and bio-regenerative life-support systems (BLSS), can enhance corporate resilience and facilitate restoration in a manner inspired by nature. This study (i) contrasts the environmental and operational boundaries of Earth and the Moon, (ii) integrates key technologies for extraction and rehabilitation (including Industry 5.0 and BLSS) and (iii) proposes and elaborates on a policy-informed integrated framework that connects environmental challenges, enabling technologies and engineering solutions to demonstrate a holistic approach for sustainable operations, site closure and long-term governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Lunar mining represents a crucial advancement for humanity, propelled by scientific progress and the strategic significance of extraterrestrial resources. The Procellarum-Imbrium and South Pole–Aitken Basin priority regions may contain rare earth elements, helium-3 and water ice, which can be utilized for propulsion, life support and fusion energy. The Moon's severe temperatures, vacuum and absence of an atmosphere and life render extraction and post-mining exceedingly challenging. In contrast to Earth, site restoration must rely on engineered systems rather than ecological processes. The Outer Space Treaty and the nonbinding Artemis Accords establish governance guidelines; yet a comprehensive and enforceable regulatory framework is absent. For sustainability, operations require improved autonomy, in-situ manufacturing, closed-loop recycling and adaptable infrastructure to respond to terrestrial changes. Industry 5.0 technologies, such as collaborative robotics, 4D printing and bio-regenerative life-support systems (BLSS), can enhance corporate resilience and facilitate restoration in a manner inspired by nature. This study (i) contrasts the environmental and operational boundaries of Earth and the Moon, (ii) integrates key technologies for extraction and rehabilitation (including Industry 5.0 and BLSS) and (iii) proposes and elaborates on a policy-informed integrated framework that connects environmental challenges, enabling technologies and engineering solutions to demonstrate a holistic approach for sustainable operations, site closure and long-term governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:02731177
DOI:10.1016/j.asr.2026.04.044