Researchers from the University of Leicester in Britain have put forward a new approach for harvesting metals from asteroids by using strong solvents. The work appears in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, outlining a potential pathway for extractions beyond Earth’s surface.
In their experimental programme, the team examined two silicate rocks and one iron meteorite that contain natural mixtures of alloys, sulfides, oxides and nickel. They exposed the samples to a chemical procedure described as micropoisoning, employing a solvent blend of choline chloride and ethylene glycol as the active medium.
To assess how deeply and quickly the materials dissolved, the researchers compared three‑dimensional surface maps of the specimens before and after the etching process. Chondrite meteorites, which showcase diverse mineral compositions, often include minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase and kamacite as prominent constituents.
Further analytical work confirmed that nickel forms chemical bonds with iron‑rich metal phases within the samples. The study also highlighted other elements of technological interest for space applications, including the rare earth metals ruthenium and rhodium.
The exploration of asteroids as sources of metals and minerals is viewed as a meaningful step for ongoing space missions, with ongoing research aimed at enabling sustainable economic activity in space. Although the technology remains in an early stage, the researchers regard it as a promising route for metal extraction in a future off‑world economy.
Earlier research by geochemists indicated that metals can be removed from waste streams through microbial processes, suggesting a broader set of strategies for resource recovery in space and on Earth.