And if there is indeed 'water' (or organics) on the moon as some
surveys suggest then it might cost a lot less. We'll never know
until we start exploring the moon more (whether by robot or manned
landings).

-McDaniel
Proof, That's all I ask, Proof, that you can extract any metals
from the lunar surface that would be less expensive then importing
those materials.
Jim Davis,
I worked in the light metals industries for 10 years.
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Surely there are so many positive aspects regard building a colony on the
Luna surface with a 1/6 of earth gravity it must be better than no
gravity on the space station , it must be easier to keep the colonists
healthy, it can be used as a back up for the human race in all sorts of
ways, genetic repository,and of our history, knowledge, in case things go
wrong down here, an healthy place for recovery for people with failing
hearts,
an easier place to launch out from even building in orbit around the moon,
the moon as I have read is full of all materials required including water at
the poles according to some surveys, regard power to manufacture there is
more power in the form of Sun shine 12 hours a day bright unhindered sun,
the colony would have tobe below the surface, then not necessarily but it
would be offer protection from the harsh conditions, they keep on
reminding us the big asteroid is overdue.
A colony could be self sufficient as long as it were well balanced well
from a population aspect.