Moon mining madness

Your report (Tuesday) that the US plus other nations are making plans to stake out mining claims on the Moon is sheer lunacy. The only thing that made sense were the words of the Russian head of Roscosmos.

My generation well remembers the start of the space race and the rivalry between America and Russia. It was exciting at the time and increased our technical abilities and knowledge, but what benefits in the long run? Has anything we learnt then helped in the Covid-19 pandemic? Yet here we go again initiating an enterprise that is all about money and power.

Some will say it’s all about progress in exploring space, but what progress if you get out into the heavens and leave hell on earth. Surely it would be more benefit to the world if the billions were spent in the Third World nations, struggling with Covid-19 and drought and locusts. America is great country and can achieve great things here under the right leadership. President Jimmy Carter was dumped by US voters after four years of comparative world peace, a workable and fair Middle East peace plan and other international pluses. When he was voted out, he investigated and found that river blindness was prevalent throughout Africa.

Research showed that efficient water filtration would help as most Africans had only a primary water source. Working with three US multinational companies, Jimmy Carter organised the free manufacture and distribution in Africa of high-quality water filters.

River blindness was reduced by 97 per cent the following year. We should oppose moon mining, but not America. It has much to offer the world.

Dennis Veal

Timaru