President Trump has signed an executive order which will allow the U.S. to mine the moon for minerals.

The hope would be that mining the moon would extend our ability to travel into space, in particular a launch pad to Mars.

Scientists have also pointed to the depletion of mineral resources on earth. It is thought lunar minerals could help with our need to build renewal energy sources, and long life batteries. Such technologies require rare minerals, which we have only a limited supply of on earth.

“Metals such as lithium or cobalt – which you need – are mainly in places like China, Russia or Congo. And it’s difficult to get them.” said  Professor Benjamin Sovacool of Sussex University.

Read More: BBC