With NASA planning to return to the moon, the 26th Mining Congress being held in Brisbane right now is looking at a very important question: how do we mine the moon?

International space agencies are hoping to install more permanent bases on the moon in the coming years, and with costs for transferring materials to and from the moon in the millions of dollars, they are looking for more efficient transport methods.

World Mining Congress Spokesperson Neil Byrne told Karl and Gena on 6PR Breakfast the plan would eventually fold into our own, Earth-based goals as well.

“Most importantly for WA and Queensland, we need to work out where to find the copper, lithium, cobalt and the sand that we’re going to need to get to net zero,” Mr Byrne said.

Press PLAY to hear more about how mining the moon may reduce our needs back home