Yes, it is intended. (for some time now).
It is to emphase that the ground is not a "inventory of fortune" (it works for a short time to organise construction or free some space, but if a rare sandstorm begins, you must hurry to pick all up!) If you want a safe inventory, create a stockage-module! (with a few metal-ores) It adds value to the latter (beyond practicality).
The game is all-too-easy (friendly) with the player on a lot of things, so it is quite alright IMO. =^^=