The article is written assuming colonization is happening (colonization would generate demand) For colonization to happen, there is need for incentive. The arti

The article is written assuming colonization is happening (colonization would generate demand) For colonization to happen, there is need for incentive. The article is not giving it. Asteroids near earth provide wast quantities of water and there is cheap energy available (the Sun). Asteroids also have hydrocarbons. Asteroid mining would serve earth. Mining mars would not be competitive source of minerals for Earth. Asteroid mining is easier to automatize. Move them even closer to earth and use partial automation and remote control. The metals in asteroids are easier to mine because usually they have not been oxidized like they are on the Earth or in the Mars, nor are they buried deep in the ground. It's possible that there are just nodules to pick up. Mars has low gravity, but the delta-v that determines the cost is still huge compared to asteroids. Delta-V to nearest asteroids from LEO is ~3.3. Delta-v from LEO to Mars is 9.3. Access to Mars is also technically more challenging (Mars landers fail often. The few asteroid that have been done have been a success).