To become self-sufficient in minerals, India must start mining in asteroid belt: Scientists

In order to become self-sufficient in minerals, India must start mining in the asteroid belt, scientists said here today. “Earth's resources are finite and there is a shortage of minerals. The next best opportunity is to trap resources lying in the objects near the earth,” eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar told reporters here.

Besides we can take steps to tap some asteroids in the outer space for mining, he added. Even the moon is rich in minerals, said Kakodkar, Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC).

He also mentioned that a US-based private company is already planning to send the first commercial space mission to exploit such resources.

“In the next 10 to 15 years, we expect that outer space would be exploited for mineral wealth and India should not lag behind,” Ranjan said on the sidelines of a function of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute here.