NASA SAYS ASTEROID MINING COULD UNLOCK TRILLIONS NASA scientists have highlighted the immense economic potential of asteroid mining. Certain near-Earth asteroids contain high concentrations of platinum-group metals, nickel, iron, and rare earth elements. Agencies like NASA and missions such as OSIRIS-REx have studied asteroid composition to assess feasibility. Important Details: • Asteroids rich in platinum & rare metals • Some estimates value single asteroids in trillions • Could reduce Earth-b