[kkylin]

Leaving aside all the geopolitics and bragging rights, I would imagine that one scientifc reason for trying is that since the far side gets more meteor hits, there may be more material from elsewhere in the solar system. (Having said that I know nothing about this mission and am just guessing.)

[HenryBemis]

I mentioned Gold on my comment before I read yours. Yes that makes perfect sense. Why ruin your reputation (hehe) with children mining rare metals, when you can have known and unknown rare metals flown in..

It is costly though to bring in a ton of <insert element> from the moon.