Does anyone own the mineral rights to the moon or other planets?

Question

Just wondering.....

Answer 1

Contrary to what people are saying about international treaties, the only treaty that discusses something similiar to this is the Outer Space Treaty. However, contrary to what some people are saying, this doesn't necassarily preclude the possiblity of private companies mining the moon, although the legality of this is open to some dispute. So, the short answer is, no one really knows.

In addition, Richard R, you couldn't be more off-basis with that claim. There are plenty of resources on the moon that could be mined, and should. For example, the He3 could have some serious use.

Now, with current Nasa plans, it isn't economical to mine the moon. However, Nasa isn't the only game in town, and further, technology advances. In about 10-20 years, it'll probably be cost-effective.

Answer 2

Well, there is a man in america, Dennis Hope, who sells land on the moon, however, there is no country whose government recognises these sales as legally binding. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6533169.stm

However, according to International Space Law, no-one owns the moon, or any other area of space outside of our own planet. It is free space - basically, any person or country can use it for scientific exploration, or even some commercial activities, but you cannot own resources or land without the agreement of the international community. You cannot keep weapons in space either.

This is the united nations website on International Space Law: http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/SpaceLaw/index.html

Putting a flag on the moon and claiming it does not make it yours (so sorry america, but you don't own the moon) - it claims it for all humankind,and this is where the treaty on outer space outlines what can be done with it.

Answer 3

As of right now, no. Before a territorial or resource/mining claim can be made, there has to be a way for these resources to be found, extracted and sequestered/protected before such a claim may be made.

In order to do this, people will have to be able to live either on or close to these places. This is not possible with our current level of technology.

Find a way for humans to live and work in low G environments for extended periods of time and then return to Earth to enjoy a regular lifestyle, and you will get a Nobel prize and if you're smart, lots of money...

Answer 4

Does anyone even think The United States Government would allow claims to be sold if they could? rotflmao. We could sell claims to the top 1% and pay the National Debt off quick! hahaha Donald Trump could even afford a share or two! hehehe I wished DrAnders_pHd was right and they are up for grabs but I am afraid he/she (can't tell) sorry, is dead wrong. However, I'd be glad to sell you a few shares for a nominal fee of course. lol

Answer 5

Interesting question. Even if some company did secure rights. If u had a mining spaceship theres not much anyone could do to stop u. Maybe u might have trouble selling the material back on earth.

Answer 6

No, not even if they've "claimed" it (like when NASA put an American flag on the moon). Say, if the US tried any action that would require ownership of mineral rights, other countries would probably get mad.

Answer 7

The international Space Treaty of 1968 claims the moon (and other heavenly bodies) cannot be owned by a nation. They're treated in the same manner as Antarctica is.

Answer 8

None. under worldwide treaties and regulation, something above an altitude of one hundred km (approximately sixty two miles) is seen worldwide territory (thats the solid altitude you're seen to be "in area"). further, the treaties restrict the signatories from making territorial claims. those treaties have been drawn up interior the Nineteen Sixties in an attempt to sidestep disputes and conflict--between the greater enlightened products of the "area Race" (in my opinion, besides!). In th efuture, subject concerns of possession of components, mining rights, and so on. are probable to be subject concerns (granted, a number of an prolonged time away yet). optimistically those would be settled in an athe context of international regulation--so as that persons and companies can set up belongings rights devoid of it finishing up a source for conflict between countries--we haveentirely too loads of that as that is.

Answer 9

Even if international law didn't forbid it, (and we know how religiously our President follows international law) there is a greater law: ECONOMICS.
There is not only nothing on the moon that is worth mining and shipping to earth, there is nothing possible on the moon that would make mining commercially viable. The entire moon could be made of diamonds and gold and it would make no economic sense to go there. It would cost more to mine than you could sell it for.

Answer 10

They are up for grabs. But those minerals would be kinda hard to grab. Even if the moon was made of gold it wouldn´t be proftable to mine it. Spacetravel is still too expensive.