|
Search | Add a publication |
| ID No : | 601 Edit | Title: | Lunar Mining: Knowns, Unknowns, Challenges, and Technologies |
| Summary / Review : | "Humans have mined rock and soil for more than 300,000 years [1]. The first mining technology was digging tools shaped from antler, bone, wood, and rock [2],[3]. Today's mines rely on global positioning satellites, semi-automated machines, and explosives. Lunar and planetary mines will use technology derived from this background and adapted for new environments. All, however, use their technologies for the same purpose: to access the desired material, and separate it from the unwanted material with which it is mixed, using the least energy or economic expenditure possible. The mining cycle. The mining cycle includes: Resource assessment. Resource extraction. Resource beneficiation. Mine closure Mining unit operations. Every mining method must achieve these unit operations. How they are achieved, and their difficulty, depend on the material of interest, its surroundings, and numerous other environmental characteristics. The unit operations are: Fragmentation - breaking material from its in situ surroundings. Excavation - picking up and loading the fragmented pieces. Material handling - hauling as needed. Beneficiation - onsite preparation of the mined material for further processing or for use." (Author's abstract) |
| Author(s) : |
Gertsch, L. S., [NASA (Unspecified Center)] |
| Publication Date: | 2009 |
| Category(s) : |
Bases, industry and manufacturing / Mining / Lunar |
| Progress Type: | A ( A=Analysis only, D=Design, T=Testing, C=Completed or Commercial product ) |
| Web URL : |
http://hdl.handle.net/2060/20110012796
If this link is broken, please Add Comment below. We try to keep author contact details, and a backup copy in our offline library. |
| PERMANENT code(s) : | L,U |
|
(Explanation of the last 3 rows above) |
In the row above, there are up to 4 possibilities: U = URL you can click on to get a copy instantly from another source on the internet, or request it from that source D = Downloadable from PERMANENT (such as because no other URL known...) L = LAN copy, PERMANENT has a digital copy but not downloadable from our website P = Paper copy in the PERMANENT office Typically, only 0 to 3 methods are available. |
| NTRS : | 20110012796 |
| Submitted by : | MEP |
| Comments: |
Please add your thoughtful Comments to this paper after reading it. All comments are reviewed and approved before being posted publicly below. If you wish to submit a private comment to the curator, instead of a public comment, just write "Private" at the start of your comment. Corrections and suggested additions to our records are appreciated. |
Add Comment |