OzLunar

Earth’s mineral resources are limited, so companies in the US and Japan are starting to turn their eyes to the Moon. But there are legal uncertainties about who owns these lunar resources. Some international rules suggest these resources belong to all humankind, not to individual companies. Deep-sea mining faces similar issues, but ownership rules there are clearer. Our research explores what lessons from deep-sea mining can help mining companies clarify ownership rules and avoid legal complications.