Platinum in the Moon’s Craters: A New Frontier for Space Resources
A study led by an independent Canadian astronomer, Jayant Chennamangalam, and published in Planetary and Space Science, argues that the Moon’s impact basins could house substantial platinum-group metal (PGM) deposits. The research shifts the spotlight from near-Earth asteroids to the Moon itself as a practical, potentially profitable source of essential resources for future space industry. It also underscores the equivalent importance of locating water on the Moon to support sustained presence and ISRU (in-situ resource utilization).
The Core Finding: PGMs and the Moon
The team evaluated how metallic asteroidal material delivered to the lunar surface could become concentrated in specific crater features. Platinum-group metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are prized for modern electronics, catalysts, batteries, and medical applications. The researchers projected that a majority of PGM-rich material could linger in relief features known as central peaks, where mineral concentration would be easier to access after initial processing.
Based on their analysis of roughly 6,500 lunar impact craters—formed by metal-rich asteroids—the scientists estimate a significant total endowment of PGMs on the Moon. Among these, 38 craters stood out with diameters exceeding 19 kilometers, marking them as the most promising starting points for any future mining program. As Chennamangalam noted, the scale of potential PGM values may rival or exceed the expected resources in near-Earth asteroids, offering a local, potentially lower-cost route to extraction.
Why the Moon Might Be More Advantageous
The argument for lunar sources rests on several factors. First, the Moon’s gravity well and absence of atmospheric erosion simplify some stages of resource processing compared with space operations. Second, PGMs on the Moon could be more accessible in the context of a planned ISRU workflow, where materials are processed locally into usable products. Third, a substantial portion of impact material remains in a pulverized state beneath the surface, which could reduce the energy required for mining once exploration and extraction technologies mature.
Water on the Moon: Complementing Metals
In addition to metals, the study highlights the potential presence of water in approximately 3,400 craters. Water ice is a critical resource for sustaining long-term lunar missions, as it can be split into hydrogen and oxygen to produce propellants and life-support consumables. The prospect of concurrent water and metal resources strengthens the case for prioritizing target craters, as a combined ISRU approach could dramatically cut Earth-to-Moon logistics and fuel future exploration efforts.
Remote Sensing: Selecting Targets Without Expensive Landers
One of the study’s practical implications is a suggested shift toward remote assessment before sending expensive landers. By leveraging orbital data, spectroscopy, and high-resolution imagery, researchers could identify craters with the highest likelihood of recoverable PGMs and water. This approach would help to optimize mission planning, reduce upfront costs, and accelerate the identification of viable mining sites rather than relying on in-situ speculation.
Next Steps and Challenges
While the findings are compelling, several challenges lie ahead. Verifying exact ore grades and extraction feasibility on the Moon will require phased exploration, advanced robotics, and robust ISRU technologies. Other hurdles include the development of regulatory frameworks, spacecraft-to-ground transfer logistics, and long-term environmental considerations for lunar mining activities. Technological improvements in remote sensing, prospecting analytics, and low-energy extraction methods will be essential to move from theoretical potential to practical mining operations.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of a Lunar Resource Economy
The new study reframes how scientists and policymakers view lunar resources. If PGMs and water can be confirmed and efficiently extracted, Moon craters—especially the larger central-peak targets—could become a focal point for an emerging space-based resource economy. It would complement the broader ISRU vision that envisions a ridge of lunar-based production supporting sustained exploration, with PGMs powering electronics, batteries, and medical technologies while water supports life-support and propellant production.
