lunar mining

[backtrax]

Rare-Earth Elements being vital to defense projects, and used in emerging new energy projects...May require moon mining in order to obtain uninterrupted supplies.
China has blocked exports to Japan of crucial rare earth elements, more in retaliation of territorial-disputes...than actual scarcity of the elements. (But they are called 'Rare' for a reason.)


http://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/is-mining-rare-minerals-on-the-moon-vital-to-national-security/