Re: No problem for a long time to come
Mining is not that bad (if you can get nuclear power into orbit). If you do not have a BIG power source it becomes pointless.
The difficulty is the delivery of the mined product. There is very little difference between the tech needed to hit an opponent with a E.L.E and the tech to launch a refined slab of metal foam to a suitable sea landing area so it can be towed and smelted. In fact they are pretty much the same.
No Earth government will tolerate having the biggest sling every invented in somebody's else hands.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
