I meant to ask this in the Eyes of Amber entry

[james_davis_nicoll]

Why is so much SF concerned with resource extraction?

Comments

[londonkds.livejournal.com]

Opportunities for large-scale heavy industry and cool technology, a ready-made excuse for war or social conflict, and the influence of the "minerals! helium-3!" justifications for space colonisation.

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

Even if we place refineries in Uranus' atmosphere to extract 3He, is there any reason to think they won't be automated?