NASA is now accepting applications from private companies that want to mine the moon for valuable resources such as helium 3 and rare earth minerals, which are worth some considerable cheese to the commodities market back on earth.

According to reports, interested companies must submit initial proposals to the Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown program by February 10. NASA will then award a contract to build robot miners, which is the first step toward mining the moon.

NASA will not be funding the mining effort. Instead, it will provide support. Final proposals are due on March 17.

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