We've got a Mook on Mook on Mook reply here (minus the first two
Mooks)...

In article ,
says...
The sands of Mars are red. That's because they're made out of
hematite. Why wouldn't you mine iron there and send it back to
Earth with a rail gun?

Because steel made on earth is already quite cheap, so it would be
economic suicide to do what you propose.

Besides, one would think that a Mars colony would use such raw materials
to either build things they need on Mars or build things that are
actually worth exporting. Raw materials aren't going to cut it as an
export unless there is a return on that investment.

Sorry Mook, but this entire idea is b.s. I don't know how you got to
visions of Mars colonies sending quite common raw materials like iron,
silicon, aluminum, and etc. to earth by railgun, but it's just not going
to be viable economically.

Jeff
--
All opinions posted by me on Usenet News are mine, and mine alone.
These posts do not reflect the opinions of my family, friends,
employer, or any organization that I am a member of.