§ 4.2 Separating Elements and Minerals by Simple Methods

Instead of covering lunar mineral processing in the lunar section, it is better to cover it in an industrial section because it can be applied to processing asteroidal minerals as well.

On the other hand, because asteroidal material has uniquenesses, i.e., free nickel iron metal and precious metals, which cannot apply to lunar materials, the simple processing of asteroidal materials with simple crushers, magnets and ovens was discussed in the section on asteroidal material. However, advanced processing of asteroidal minerals for other things besides free metals and volatiles was not discussed there, since it overlaps with lunar materials processing.

§ 4.2.1 Magnetic separation of free nickel-iron metal
§ 4.2.2 Thermal extraction of volatiles
§ 4.2.3 Separating minerals by electrostatic beneficiation
§ 4.2.4 Separating minerals by vibration or floatation
§ 4.2.5 Separating minerals by electrophoresis