A mining ship can extract detector-confirmed layers and move ore in larger loads than a hand-only trip.
PC / Global, current base game
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Confirmed planetary or asteroid ore signals. Planetary deposits may continue in layers below the surface.
Prepare a powered ship with drills, cargo, and a detector before approaching a deposit. Use the detector to find the vein, cut a controlled access path, then extract ore and carry it to a refinery.
Mining ship with drills, cargo, and sufficient power.
Ore Detector; large-grid range is useful for deep deposits.
Powered Refinery reachable by the ship’s cargo and conveyors or manual transfer.
Check ship power, maneuvering, drill controls, and cargo capacity before leaving the base.
Set the Ore Detector to maximum range and locate a deposit; mark the signal for return navigation.
Approach slowly and confirm the ore-bearing area with the HUD or a Hand Drill before cutting into terrain.
Use the ship drills to make a controlled access route to the deposit, keeping the ship stable and clear of nearby terrain.
Mine the confirmed vein and watch cargo inventory so stone does not consume all capacity.
If the signal continues below the mined layer, withdraw or reposition safely, descend in stages, and scan again.
Return to the refinery and transfer ore through conveyors or cargo inventory; collect the processed output.
Farming tips
Separate the access cut from ore extraction in your plan so you can minimize unwanted stone in cargo.
Make sure the ship can reverse or turn away from the cut before descending into a narrow opening.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat the same preparation, prospecting, extraction, and refinery loop at active deposits. A particular vein has limited material and may require a new site when depleted.
Common mistakes
Descending before confirming a deposit: verify the signal and ore type first.
Filling cargo with surrounding stone: monitor inventory and keep the extraction area focused.
Launching without adequate power or cargo room: check both before committing to a remote mine.
When to stop or switch
Stop mining when cargo is near capacity, the vein no longer yields the target ore, or the ship cannot safely maneuver; return to base or choose a new signal.
