The Economics of Platinum mining

[Antstar]

3 hours ago, DDE said:

 

Looks like the REEs are where it's going to have to be instead of the platinoids, TBH. Although, again, I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't as much of a bottleneck as people like to claim.

I am not sure, but IIRC the problem with rare earths is not that they are rare - they are actually fairly common in the crust - but separation of these elements from each other is very laborious and resource intensive due to large overlaps in chemical behavior. I think you have to go through multiple oxidation states and use expensive ligands. Compare with gold- which is cyanide + air then electrolyse.

If so, then the economics wouldn't be improved by bringing them from space?

[DDE]

7 hours ago, Antstar said:

If so, then the economics wouldn't be improved by bringing them from space?

I'm just retracing the thought process of the optimists. "X is found in space, therefore X justifies going to space to harvest it and import it to Earth". Be it He-3 or water.

[DAL59]

You can pay Ferengi...

 

[StrandedonEarth]

3 hours ago, DAL59 said:

You can pay Ferengi...

 

Only if we find some latinum to press inside some (worthless) gold

 

21 hours ago, Antstar said:

If so, then the economics wouldn't be improved by bringing them from space?

 It would appear not, however, processing the REE's in space has the advantage of unlimited solar power, and no environmental harm to dear ol' Earth. Environmental penalties might make it worthwhile. Perhaps it would be possible to use the microgravity to an advantage, perhaps not. Also, efficient use of space depends on robotics, so it could drive the creation of ever more versatile robotics. And once the machines are built, operating costs should be minimal (monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and comms).