A mining code for regulating lunar water ice mining activities

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 121, pp. e2321079121

Abstract

Despite the increasing number of space launches, growth of the commercial space sector, signing of the Artemis Accords, maturation of space mining technologies, the emergence of a regulatory environment through domestic legislation, and a comprehensive body of international law, an intergovernmental governing authority has yet to be established to manage mining activities on the Moon. We developed a Lunar Mining Code and mapping tool to regulate and manage prospecting and exploration activities for water ice at the Moon's poles. The Lunar Mining Code is composed of a notification system to manage prospecting, a contract system for issuing exploration licenses to allotted areas on the Moon, and best mining practices and principles to promote equal access and safeguard the lunar environment.

Authors 2

1. Linda T. Elkins-Tanton

   Arizona State University

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Earth and Space Exploration, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University

2. Tanja L. Masson-Zwaan Aachen International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL) Institute of Public Law

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   International Institute of Air and Space Law, Institute of Public Law, Leiden University