Private companies want to mine asteroids for fuel, and build filling stations in space. A bill now in front of the US Congress would help by allowing them to own what they discover - but it might, if passed, meet stiff international opposition.
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29334645 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29334645)
Interesting article Mick. You should read a book called return to the moon, by Harrison Schmitt the penultimate man to walk on the moon. In the book he talks a lot about mining the isotope helium 3 which would be an ideal fuel for nuclear fusionfusion generators. The moon has been bombarded by it for billions of years from solar wind. My guess is that someone is already on the case.