The Development Of A Comprehensive Regulatory Framework For Space Mining That Ensures Sustainability, Equitable Access, And Environmental Integrity In Outer Space
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Kshema B Reddy, Christ (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
The rapid advancement of technology is making space mining a more complicated and intricate process that goes beyond what was possible, especially with increasing interest from private companies and nations in exploiting extraterrestrial resources. However, the existing international legal frameworks, such as the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Moon Agreement (1979), were not designed to address the complexities and scale of modern space mining activities. As a result, these legal regimes provide limited guidance on issues such as sustainable resource extraction, equitable access for all countries, and environmental protection in outer space. This paper highlights the urgent need for a specific international regulatory framework that goes beyond the existing treaties to address the unique challenges posed by space mining. The proposed framework would establish guidelines to ensure that space mining is conducted in a manner that preserves the long-term health of celestial environments, guarantees fair and equitable access to resources for all nations, and promotes sustainable economic practices that prevent monopolisation by a few wealthy spacefaring nations. By analysing current legal gaps and exploring models from other global commons, such as the International Seabed Authority for deep-sea mining, the paper provides suggestions for a comprehensive regulatory regime. These include the establishment of an international oversight body, binding sustainability and environmental standards, resource sharing mechanisms, and technology transfer initiatives to ensure developing nations can also participate in the benefits of space resource extraction. In doing so, the paper aims to contribute to a balanced, future-proof regulatory approach that fosters international cooperation and addresses the ethical, legal, and environmental implications of space mining.
Keywords: space mining, environmental standards, sustainability, resource sharing, international regulatory framework
