Comment by Teever

I was describing a scenario where the teleoperated machines were used to build a base on the Moon with in situ produced materials, not one where materials are sold as export to Earth.

But I'm curious to hear why you think that it will always be uneconomical to produce refined metals on the Earth and transport them to Earth for further manufacturing?

It seems like a logical near term thing that we're going to have to do to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental damage. Mining and refining ores are both energy intensive and highly ecologicaly damaging.