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Automate Iridium at Falling Sand Caves — guide illustration
Ore automation

Automate Iridium at Falling Sand Caves

Produce Iridium for rods used in heaters and additional extractors.

Prime base-game farming; PC / Global
WHERE & HOW TO FARM

Where to farm

Falling Sand Caves at 930:39:910 on Prime, beneath the falling sand.

A T1 Ore Extractor can mine Iridium when placed in an Iridium area such as Falling Sand Caves. T1 also outputs Iron, Titanium, Cobalt, Silicon, and Magnesium, so the machine needs regular collection or a way to clear unwanted output. Use the resulting Iridium for Iridium Rods and further extraction infrastructure.

GET STARTED

How to farm

Before you go

  • Unlock and craft an Ore Extractor T1.
  • Carry power and life support for the trip.
  • Have space to collect mixed ore, or a Foundation Grid and Shredder to dispose of unwanted ores.
  1. Travel to Falling Sand Caves at 930:39:910.
  2. Place the T1 extractor within the Iridium resource area.
  3. Check the machine’s displayed output; reposition within the zone if it does not show Iridium.
  4. Connect enough power to operate the extractor.
  5. Return to collect Iridium and remove or process the five basic ores also produced by T1.
  6. Use the Iridium in rod crafting for heaters or additional extractors.

Farming tips

  • Extractor output depends on placement; verify the listed ore at the machine before leaving the site.
  • Spike Canyon has loose Iridium but does not support extraction, so it is not a substitute for this mine.

Repeat, collect and use

The powered extractor produces ongoing mixed output. Keep its inventory clear by collecting materials or disposing of unwanted ores with a Shredder.

Common mistakes

  • Placing the extractor outside the Iridium zone: move it until Iridium appears in its displayed output.
  • Expecting T1 to output only Iridium: plan for five basic ores as well.
  • Letting the extractor inventory fill: collect or dispose of unwanted items so production can continue.

When to stop or switch

Keep the extractor running while you need Iridium and can manage its mixed output; upgrade or change site logistics if clearing basic ores becomes a burden.

Sources & fact checks
REWARD DETAILS & CONDITIONS

Sources & rewards

Farming route

Automate Iridium at Falling Sand Caves

Falling Sand Caves at 930:39:910 on Prime, beneath the falling sand.

  • Unlock and craft an Ore Extractor T1.
  • Carry power and life support for the trip.
  • Have space to collect mixed ore, or a Foundation Grid and Shredder to dispose of unwanted ores.
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