Is mining the moon going to be the next big step?

European Space Agency has announced their intention to mine the moon for regolith, which holds oxygen and water. In a contract with rocket maker ArianeGroup, they will first consider the feasibility of the process.

If the mining is possible, the Moon will serve as a refueling station as the resources can be used to make fuel and life-support systems. The Regolith ore also contains helium-3 isotopes which serve as a safer fuel for nuclear reactors. With the talks about colonizing the Moon, this definitely serves as another giant leap for mankind.