Quoting AI Google again

The cost per pound to launch a payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) varies significantly by provider and the type of mission, with current prices ranging from approximately $1,200 to over $10,000 per pound.

Historically, the Space Shuttle program cost nearly $30,000 per pound (in 2021 dollars). However, the introduction of reusable rockets by companies like SpaceX has dramatically reduced these costs.

Current LEO Launch Costs Per Pound
Provider/Vehicle Cost per Pound (approx.)

SpaceX Falcon Heavy $690 - $1,400 per kg ($313 - $635/lb)

SpaceX Falcon 9 ~$1,200 - $2,700 per pound

NASA SLS ~$70,000 per pound

ULA Atlas V ~$4,300 - $8,500+ per pound

These figures generally represent the cost of the launch itself and do not include the cost of building the satellite or cargo, which can also vary widely.

I'll concede commercial space ventures have cut costs dramatically, but do these listed numbers reflect the actual cost per launch, or does it include the development and operations
costs and the required infrastructure as well? And remember, these all reflect unmanned launches to LEO only. The expense of supporting a manned mining station in the asteroid belt, with all the safety, support and supply required would be astronomical. Granted, once out of the gravity well, energy costs drop dramatically. But keeping crews alive and happy in Outland (it takes a couple of years just to get there), plus providing a full mining and refining capability, would involve astronomical costs. (No pun intended).