Its civilian space program has already brought China economic benefits in the fields of communications, navigation systems and resource exploration.

NPR: China Launches Manned Spacecraft

The non-resource exploration upside stands between 23.5 to 48.5 million carats.

FORBES: Stornoway Signs Key Agreement With Cree For Renard Diamond Project

Now, those settlements are bracing themselves for unprecedented change due to resource exploration, economic development, political wrangling and an influx of new wealth, people and social forces.

CNN: Sailing the Northwest Passage: mission accomplished

Probable mineral reserves stand total 18 million carats with 17.5 million carats as inferred mineral resources, and 23.5 to 48.5 million carats classified as non-resource exploration upside with an initial 11 year mine life.

FORBES: Stornoway, Quebec Government Reach Agreement Over Road Construction

Last week, a press release from big names like Larry Page, Ross Perot and James Cameron about combining space exploration with resource extraction made it all but obvious that somebody was going to announce some very ambitious plans surrounding asteroid mining.

FORBES: It's Official: Planetary Resources Announces Plans to Mine Asteroids

The search for additional resource additions is expected leading to further drilling and exploration, which is expected to continue into 2012.

FORBES: Gowest Gold Doubles Resource Estimate at Frankfield East Gold Deposit

The answer to that question will only come from future exploration results from Nova, the maiden resource estimate, mine-development plans due to be released later in the year, and the all-important price of nickel.

FORBES: Even Scrooge McDuck Would Be Happy with a 7000% Share Price Rise In Less Than a Year