Guide:Mining

The Mining Profession
"Mining presents players with a variety of challenges requiring skill and intelligence, whereas the mindless repetition of a task and idle drudgery are explicitly avoided. There are no aspects of mining that allow a player to simply press a button and wait without concern for a result, or that require players to perform an action repeatedly without some element of thought and/or dexterity coming into play.

''Ample amounts of dangerous situations are afforded, despite the fact that combat isn’t inherent in any fundamental aspect of the effort. The most valuable materials will often reside deep within a dense field, the result of less experienced pilots being unable to extricate them without suffering serious damage to their ship. Compressed pockets of gas, volatile materials that can explode in the presence of excessive energy (which is required in some capacity in order to liberate the ore from its parent asteroid), and elements that can explode when subjected to seismic vibrations as caused by repeated fragmentation operations all present their own unique types of jeopardy. While most miners will seek to actively avoid armed conflict, the reality is that any ship carrying a cargo of valuable ore will present a tempting target to less scrupulous types, rewarding those players that formulate contingency plans in advance, whether that be the hiring of an NPC crew member extremely talented with a defense turret, or investing a portion of the expected profits into hiring an armed escort or two.''

''Finally, multiple roles of substance are presented, each of which is referred to as a specialist. Every role can occupy the full attention of a player and present sufficient challenge to keep them engaged, or assigned to an NPC whose skills are commensurate with their monthly cost."''

- Tony Zurovec, Director, Persistent Universe

Step one: Equipment
The first step to any mining expedition is having the necessary equipment to mine. Most players embarking on such expedition often use a dedicated mining vessel for significant returns. However, players can begin their mining experience using the Pyro RYT Multi-tool by Greycat with an OreBit Mining attachment which is a more affordable option in combination with the MacFlex 'Rucksack' Core for increased carrying capacity. Combining the Multi-tool along with a mining vessel will provide an even greater return.

Mining vessels can be rented for a fee using aUEC. Tip: Rental ships cannot be equipped with different components.

Step two: Trade and Development Divison (TDD)
Once players have the necessary gear, it's time to determine what mineral is currently in demand or yields a good enough profit margin for the player. Located in Area 18 at ArcCorp, the Trade and Development Division (TDD) is the epicenter to find this information. Once a satisfactory location is determined by the player, they're off to their expedition.

Note: The TDD is currently visitable but not fully functional as of Alpha 3.8.1.

Step three: The Expedition
Now the nitty-gritty begins. Once the player arrives at their location of choice, the first stage of a four-stage process begins in order to mine successfully which includes: Prospecting, Fracturing, Extraction, and Refinement.

Stage one: Prospecting
''Prospecting is the first step to any mining operation that requires the discovery of minerals to occur. Using a ship's dedicated scanner, a mining crew would search by "pinging" the area for any mineral deposits. If sub-surface mining, this stage is done without the use of any equipment other than a miners' observation and knowledge of harvestable minerals. Once a mineral deposit has been discovered, a further in-depth scan is done to determine the composition of the deposit. Once minerals are confirmed and merited, the next stage begins.''

Begin to scan by pressing the key 'tab' to bring up your ship's dedicated scanner. If no scanner appears, your ship does not have any scanner. If it does, your ship will change into "Scanning Mode" and the HUD will appear with a dense white circular reticle with a magnification level. By using your 'scroll wheel', you can adjust the magnification of your scanner. By increasing magnification, you're setting your scanner's boundaries in a narrow path directly in front of the ship. The higher the magnification, the more narrow the boundary becomes.

In order to activate the search, press and hold the 'right mouse button and the charging reticle will appear center screen. This determines the strength of your ship's scanner. By releasing the right mouse button when the charge reaches 100% will emit the strongest ping to the surrounding area. However, this significantly increases your ship's signature level which may expose you to other nearby ships. The lower the charge, the lower your scanner will emit a ping and the lower, if any, your ship's signature level would be shown.

Once your scanner finds a mineral deposit, a large cube-shaped signature would appear on your ship's HUD. The cube size demonstrates the possible area where the mineral deposit lies. The cube signature will only appear temporarily. By sending additional pings towards the general area will cause the signature to reappear if needed. The closer your ship is to the signature, the more accurate of a location would be returned.

When the mineral deposit is located, a small icon will appear directly on the deposit. A 'cube-shaped' icon signifies that you've found a large mineral deposit. A 'diamond' shaped icon will signify that you've found a small mineral deposit commonly referred to as, 'harvestable minerals'. A 'question mark' icon may appear in the distance, this signifies that your ping is returning insufficient information to determine what it is. By pinging closer to that area would return proper feedback.

When aimed directly towards a mineral deposit, and in range, a 'scanning progress' bar would appear. You can begin an in-depth scan of the mineral deposit by pressing and holding your 'right mouse button.' Information on the mineral deposit will appear on your ship's HUD. The longer the scan is made, the more information is shown.

If scanning solely with a hand-tool, large mineral deposits will become significantly difficult to find and impossible to mine due to insufficient energy levels required for a fracture. Small mineral deposits, or 'harvestable minerals', can be distinguished by its colored 'vein-like' features on the rock itself. You can equip your hand-tool by pressing key '4' to bring up your utility weapon. Pressing the key 'R' will holster your weapon. By pressing your 'right mouse button', you will aim down sights (ADS) of your multi-tool. Direct the sights towards a harvestable mineral and a display status stating 'scanning' will appear. This signifies that your multi-tool is scanning the mineral and the type will automatically display once the scan is complete.

Tip: It is strongly suggested to use a hand-tool to mine harvestable minerals for which using a ship's mining laser will instantly overcharge small mineral deposits causing an explosion and potential harm to you and/or ship.

Stage two: Fracturing
''Fracturing mineral deposits consist of very dense rock and are often large in mass. Before a rock is able to be extracted, it must first be broken down into smaller fragments. This stage is done by using a dedicated ship's mining laser or hand-tool to emit a powerful laser into the rock to increase its energy level high enough to cause the rock to fracture. This process is very delicate for emitting too high of a laser's energy into the rock will cause an explosion that can seriously harm or cause death to the mining crew. Once the rock is successfully broken into smaller fragments, the next stage can occur.''