The main challenge for mining near-Earth celestial bodies is neither technology nor cost, but simply “convincing people it is realistic,” says Dr. Phil Metzger.
OSIRIS-REx will collect samples from an asteroid and return them to Earth, in what it could be a pivotal step for firms currently planning to tap into the space mining business.
Experts warn Canada's mining industry faces a looming risk it's not ready to deal with — lack of access to workers with the skills needed in an upswing.