Mineral Extraction & Refining (Mining)
Technical training on mining in Star Citizen: manual mining, ground vehicles, mining ships, optimization modules, refining, and reselling minerals.
Mining is one of the major industrial activities in the persistent universe, providing the metals and fuels needed by the global economy. The goal of this course is to teach you the complete methodology for prospecting, extracting, and processing the raw resources hidden in caves, on the surfaces of moons, or deep within asteroid fields. The gameplay revolves around three main areas: - Prospecting and fracturing: Detecting veins with a scanner, then using precise laser control to break rocks without causing an explosion. - Harvesting and processing: Vacuuming up recoverable fragments and using specialized equipment (heads, modules, gadgets) to process the toughest deposits. - Refining and selling: Processing raw ore at an L1 refinery to maximize your profits on the trading markets.
Skills acquired
- Manual & Surface Mining: Mining of small deposits on foot (Aphorite, Dolivine, Hadanite) and on the ground using appropriate equipment.
- Space Mining and Crewed Operations: Navigation and operation of single-seat and multi-seat mining spacecraft.
- Scanner Detection: Using radar pings to locate deposits on the surfaces of celestial bodies and in space.
- Fracturing Control: Managing energy levels, maintaining operations within the optimal range, and preventing the risk of explosions.
- Material Collection: Switch to Gather mode for ore transfer and inert material management.
- Equipment Optimization: Selection and installation of mining heads, modules (passive and consumable), and hand-mounted devices.
- Refining and Marketing: Management of work orders at L1 station and optimized sales on the market.
Prerequisites
- Handheld equipment (Multi-Tool with OreBit attachment) or a mining vehicle/vessel (Argo ATLS GEO, Greycat ROC / ROC-DS, MISC Prospector, Argo MOLE).
- Access to the system's refineries (L1) and sales terminals.
Program in 5 modules
The path in 5 modules
Progress
0/5—
- M01Module 01Online5mn
Extraction Equipment and Scales (From the Multi-Tool to Mining Vessels)
Mining operations are organized around three levels of equipment: the Multi-Tool, a hand-held tool equipped with the OreBit attachment, for small ores (Aphorite, Dolivine, Hadanite) found on foot in caves or on the surface; land vehicles such as the Argo ATLS GEO or the Greycat ROC/ROC-DS, which can be transported aboard a spacecraft; and specialized mining spacecraft ranging from the single-seat MISC Prospector to the multi-seat Argo MOLE for asteroids and large deposits. All mining equipment and consumables are primarily distributed on the refining decks of L1 stations.
- Identify the different categories of mining equipment and vehicles based on the size of the deposit.
- Identify minerals that can be mined by hand.
- Identify supply points for mining equipment.
- M02Module 02Online5mn
Exploration, Fracturing, and Laser Safety
Mining exploration begins by sending a ping to the scanner (TAB key) in SCM or NAV mode to locate deposits within a 12-kilometer radius. Once extraction mode is activated (M key), hovering over the rock displays its stability and composition on the interface. The operator then activates the extraction laser (left-click) and adjusts its power using the scroll wheel to bring and maintain the energy level within the optimal green zone until the rock fractures. Excessive energy input causes the gauge to swing into the red zone, risking a rock explosion, loss of ore, and destruction of the ship.
- Use the onboard scanner to detect mineral deposits on the surfaces of celestial bodies and in space.
- Analyze the physical properties of a deposit (stability and composition) using the extraction interface.
- Control the laser power to keep the load within the optimal range and prevent the risk of explosion.
- M03Module 03Online5mn
Collection and Management of Inert Materials
The collection phase begins when the glow of the rock fragments changes from yellow (requiring a new fracture) to purple (ready for extraction). The operator switches their equipment to Gather mode (Left Alt + Left-click on the ship, Right-click on the Multi-Tool) to deploy a low-power suction tractor beam. Since this system sucks up both valuable ores and inert waste rock, it is crucial to monitor the composition of the targeted fragments to avoid filling the ship’s storage capacity with worthless materials.
- Visually determine whether a deposit is ready for harvesting.
- Switch the extraction equipment between fracturing mode and collection mode.
- Managing onboard storage capacity in the presence of inert materials.
- M04Module 04Online5mn
Advanced Upgrades (Heads, Modules, and Mining Gadgets)
To deal with particularly resistant or unstable deposits, the operator has three levels of enhancement available: laser-mounted mining heads (which alter stability, resistance, and the number of locations), modules inserted into the head (permanent passive modules or high-impact consumables), and mining gadgets. The latter, placed directly on the rock by the operator, significantly alter the vein’s properties but involve taking risks in the field. All of this equipment can be purchased at the refining platforms in L1 stations.
- Distinguish between the three types of mining enhancement equipment (Heads, Modules, and Gadgets).
- Select and install the heads and modules best suited to the conditions of complex reservoirs.
- Use manual mining tools in the field while weighing the benefits and risks.
- M05Module 05Online5mn
Refining Processes and Resale Optimization
Ore is processed either through the direct sale of raw material at the station—yielding an immediate but smaller profit—or through processing on the refining deck of an L1 station. Refining involves initiating parallel work orders that apply different processes, each of which affects the speed, cost, and final yield of pure material. Once processing is complete, the operator maximizes their aUEC earnings by comparing market prices across the system’s various trading kiosks in order to sell the refined ore at the best price.
- Compare direct sales and refining options to maximize profits.
- Select refining processes that meet the requirements for time, cost, and yield.
- Organize the resale of refined materials on the system's trading markets.