Fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role within global energy systems – accounting for around 82% of the world’s energy supply.

Millions of people visit them every day. Just a quick scroll through your Instagram feed will reveal at least a couple photographs of your friends standing next to or on top of them.

Rare earth metals are often used in alloys to form powerful magnets needed for modern technology, or form useful compounds for other essential roles.

Across history, human development has relied upon the finite resources available on Earth. But the moon – a seemingly barren rock – may actually be a treasure trove of rare resources vital to Earth’s future.