Mining in Space – The Next Frontier

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Steve Carter, Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA Vice President of Product Alignment was recently featured in this month’s Mining Magazine discussing the future of mining in outer space. As some of the technologies required to mine in space already exist, here are some thoughts from the article for assessing the risks and rewards for those who boldly dare to venture.

“While it is highly unlikely that we will see mining on the moon in our, or our children’s lifetime, many people have been speculating on what is possible with mining on asteroids. Mining will be required to provide raw materials to support permanent settlement on other planets or moons.  However, until we have people based long-term on other planets or moons, there is no case for it. The step that will precede this is asteroid mining, as this will support the permanent settlement of space, and because it is a lower-cost proposition than lifting everything from Earth…

The act of mining itself is likely to be different through making use of remotely operated and fully autonomous robots. This is where current activities by large miners (Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, for example) to develop this type of mining equipment, are likely to be of benefit. Although it is likely that some people will still need to be in space, the use of robotics will go a long way to mitigating the associated risks.

The cost of asteroid mining will also drive companies to use much more sophisticated techniques for explorationand mining than are currently in use. For example, Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE® technology has been used across a wide range of industries – automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment and mining – to improve the quality of designs and the efficiency of processes.There is every reason to believe that it will help with mining in space.

3DEXPERIENCE® technology currently helps in the design and construction of the systems and vehicles, large and small, to get people into space. All the subsequent systems for exploring, mining, refining and ultimately manufacturing of goods for use either in space or for return to Earth could be developed using the same technology.”

Interested in learning more about the future of Mining in Space, read the full article.

Learn more about Dassault Systèmes’ innovative technology. 

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When mining companies seek to increase mine productivity, they turn to Dassault Systèmes for technology and services. It is home to world-renowned and award-winning mining solutions and to industry thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mining, through the GEOVIA brand. The largest global supplier of mining software, GEOVIA delivers comprehensive solutions in all major mining centers in more than 130 countries at over 4,000 sites.
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