TL;DR: The lunar highlands are essentially a vast anorthite quarry. Anorthite (CaAl₂Si₂O₈) is the most abundant mineral on the lunar surface and the primary feedstock for aluminum extraction.
The lunar highlands are essentially a vast anorthite quarry. Anorthite (CaAl₂Si₂O₈) is the most abundant mineral on the lunar surface and the primary feedstock for aluminum extraction.
Location
Lunar highlands (80%+ anorthite in highland regolith)
Estimated Quantity
Effectively unlimited in highland regions
Extraction Method
Molten electrolysis of anorthite, carbothermal reduction
Economic Value
High - aluminum is essential for construction and manufacturing