From ancient times to the modern world, the mining industry has played a pivotal role in shaping the
society that we live in today. It remains an integral part of everyday life and is a catalyst for both
technological and economic growth. With finite resources on Earth, and growing pressures
surrounding climate change and the environment, space mining opportunities have become of
increasing interest. Recent discoveries have shown celestial bodies including the Moon and
surrounding asteroids, contain an abundance of critical minerals, as well as resources necessary to
sustain human life. These discoveries coupled with a transition into the digital and autonomous age,
offer an innovative solution to solving some of the mining challenges currently being faced on Earth.
Similarly, they also offer a pathway to enabling deep space exploration and off Earth exploratory
missions. However, like with mining operations on Earth, space remains and immensely challenging
and complex operational environment. The inhospitable nature of space poses new challenges,
including communication barriers, lunar dust, cosmic radiation, and gravity. The challenges and risks
are not just technological, as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors must also be
considered to prevent unintended consequences and hazards. Furthermore, future workforce, law,
financial, and security systems must evolve to enable space mining to take place. These are all
known aspects to begin with, but as the complexity of the space grows it becomes apparent that a
holistic approach to assess and manage these factors will be required.