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ICE-CSIC Study Reveals Primitive Asteroids as Key Source for Rare Earth Elements in Space Mining

SPACE ECONOMY

A study by the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) suggests that undifferentiated asteroids, particularly carbonaceous chondrites, may be a more viable source for rare earth elements and transition metals than metallic asteroids. These primitive rocks contain valuable minerals and water-rich components, which could support in-situ resource utilization for space mining. However, the researchers note that practical mining technologies for these asteroids are still in development.

ICE-CSIC Study Reveals Primitive Asteroids as Key Source for Rare Earth Elements in Space Mining
Dec 26, 2025, 6:34 AM

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