Miner: Difference between revisions

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{{RoleInfobox
{{RoleInfobox
| image            = Type 9 mining.jpg
| risk              = Medium
| risk              = Medium
| reward            = High
| reward            = High
| timeinvestment    = Large
| timeinvestment    = Large
| suggestedships     = [[Sidewinder MkI]]; [[Hauler]]; [[Cobra MkIII]]; [[Asp Explorer]];  [[Type-6 Transporter]]; [[Adder]]; [[Python]]; [[Anaconda]]; [[Imperial Cutter]]; [[Imperial Clipper]]; [[Federal Corvette]];
| suggestedships   = [[Krait MkII]]; [[Keelback]]; [[Cobra MkIII]]; [[Asp Explorer]];  [[Type-6 Transporter]]; [[Adder]]; [[Python]]; [[Anaconda]]; [[Imperial Cutter]]; [[Type-9 Heavy]]; [[Federal Corvette]];
| suggestedupgrades = [[Mining Laser]]; [[Refinery]]; [[Cargo Rack]]s; [[Collector Drone]]; [[Prospector Drone]];
| suggestedupgrades = [[Mining Laser]]; [[Refinery]]; [[Cargo Rack]]s; [[Limpet Controller/Collector|Collector Limpets]]; [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector Limpets]]; [[Abrasion Blaster]]; [[Pulse Wave Analyser]]; [[Seismic Charge Launcher]]; [[Sub-surface Displacement Missile]]
|image = Mining Asp.jpg}}
}}
'''Miners''' extract [[:Category:Metal commodities|metals]], [[:Category:Mineral commodities|minerals]], and other resources from [[asteroids]] and sell them for profit. Mining involves traveling to sites such as pristine [[Planetary Ring Systems|planetary rings]], identifying resource-rich asteroids, and using specialized [[Hardpoint]] [[module]]s to extract and collect fragments.


'''Mining''' in Elite Dangerous is a very manual process; the player must use a mining laser to chip off pieces of an [[Asteroids|asteroid]], which are then scooped up or collected with a [[Drones|drone]] to be refined on-board. As time consuming as it can be, a miner with the right technique can make just as much money as they would in other professions.
To mine, pilots require three optional internal modules: a [[Refinery]] to refine collected resources into [[Commodities]] for sale, one or more [[Cargo Rack]]s to carry the refined Commodities, and one or more [[Mining Laser]]s, [[Abrasion Blaster]]s, [[Sub-surface Displacement Missile]]s, or [[Seismic Charge Launcher]]s. The [[Detailed Surface Scanner]], [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector Limpet]], and [[Pulse Wave Analyser]] can also be equipped to more easily locate ideal mining sites and valuable asteroids, and the [[Limpet Controller/Collector|Collector Limpet]] can be used to more efficiently gather raw resources. Miners who choose to delve inhabited systems rather than uncharted ones can purchase system data from [[Universal Cartographics]] or scan a [[System Signal Sources|Navigation Beacon]] in order to determine the quality of a system's asteroid clusters or planetary rings.


To mine, the player must have a ship equipped with a Mining Laser and a Refinery. Cargo Racks are important to store the refined minerals and metals. Drones are recommended to improve efficiency. A detailed guide of the process can be found below.
Some miners prefer small, nimble ships for mining, as they are better at maneuvering around asteroids, in tight asteroid belts and rings at higher velocities. However others prefer larger ships such as the [[Python]], [[Imperial Clipper]], [[Federal Corvette]], [[Imperial Cutter]] and the [[Anaconda]], which are not as maneuverable, but can equip all the beneficial [[Limpet Controller]]s and carry a large number of limpets for their use, while still having room for cargo and shields, increasing efficiency. Additionally, the larger ships are better at defending themselves from [[pirate]]s while mining, though such threats can generally be avoided in the uncharted systems beyond human habitation centers.


It is recommended that players obtain system data from the [[Universal Cartographics]] in order to determine what asteroids are mineral rich and as close to "pristine" as possible which will ensure that the player gets the most 'bang for their buck'.
==Ships==
An ideal mining ship requires at least one Class 2 hardpoint to fit larger mining tools for more efficient or profitable mining, and enough optional internal slots to hold a Refinery, a Collector Limpet Controller, a Prospector Limpet Controller, a Detailed Surface Scanner, and at least one Cargo Rack. Mobility is also an important factor, due to needing to find more specific asteroids, and aiming certain mining tools. At least 4 hardpoints, with one medium, are required to hold one of every mining tool. A [[Fighter Hangar]] is also recommended, as it lets a ship defend against pirates while its hardpoints are replaced with mining tools.


Some people prefer small, nimble ships for mining, as they are better able to maneuver around asteroids, in tight asteroid belts and rings at higher velocities. However others prefer the larger classes of ships such as the [[Python]], [[Imperial Clipper]], [[Federal Corvette]], [http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/Imperial_Cutter Imperial Cutter] and the [[Anaconda]], which while they are not as maneuverable, they can equip all the beneficial limpet drone controllers and carry a large number of drones for their use, while still having room for cargo and shields, increasing efficiency. Additionally, the larger classes of ships are better able to defend themselves from pirates while mining without sacrificing as much cargo capacity as smaller ships. The downside to using the larger ships mainly comes from their generally slower velocities and slower maneuvering.
* A great choice for new miners is the [[Cobra MkIII]], due to the size of its cargo hold, internal compartments, and its maneuverability. It can also fit the Class 2 mining tools.
* The [[Adder]] is the earliest ship capable of efficient mining, as it can equip three mining lasers, as well as being the earliest deep core mining ship as it has one Class 2 hardpoint. It has decent capacity but won't be able to defend itself.
* The [[Keelback]] can equip multiple lasers and has a half-decent capacity, and can use a fighter hanger for self-defense. It also has the required 4 hardpoints for every mining tool.
* The [[Asp Explorer]] is an excellent stepping stone between the small and medium ship sizes, and is a capable and highly profitable deep core mining ship.
* The [[Krait MkII]] and [[Krait Phantom]] are more expensive medium options for mining, but can comfortably fit all necessary mining tools and modules. The larger MkII can also hold a fighter bay for added protection, while the Phantom is capable of outrunning any NPC, making them both a safe choice.
* The [[Python]] is medium ship with internal space to spare, allowing it to carry larger modules and a greater amount of cargo. It can also equip every tool as a class 2 hardpoint. Combined with its durability and relative agility for its size class, it is an ideal mining ship.
* The [[Type-9 Heavy]] was formerly one the best ships in the career, due to its huge cargo and internal size as well as its fighter bay and low price. However, the Beyond changes made it much less useful as its sluggish speed makes avoiding asteroid fragments difficult and its low mobility makes aiming mining tools frustrating. It also lacks the hardpoints to be as efficient as other options.
* The [[Type-10 Defender]] is also a viable ship, though it lacks maneuverability. It makes for a good Painite laser miner, as it has a large Power Distributor and a huge complement of hardpoints.
* The [[Anaconda]], [[Imperial Cutter]], and [[Federal Corvette]] all work perfectly. The Corvette in particular has both good mobility and high cargo capacity.


==Equipment==
== Equipment ==
* [[ships|Ship]]
** A great choice for starting miners is the [[Cobra MkIII]], due to the size of its cargo hold, internal compartments, and its maneuverability. It can also fit the Class 2 mining laser.
* [[Mining Laser]]
* [[Mining Laser]]
** Required to extract the ore fragments from an asteroid.
** Required to extract the ore fragments from an [[asteroids|asteroid]].
** Higher quality lasers may extract ore fragments faster.
** Higher class lasers may extract ore fragments faster.
** Multiple lasers may also be equipped, but will draw more power in total.
** Multiple lasers may also be equipped but will draw more power in total, and will also mean you have fewer hardpoints to defend yourself as they are incredibly inefficient at dealing damage and have the lowest range in the game.
** The [[Mining Lance]] offers far greater range and is capable of dealing 8 DPS, instead of 2, only slightly less than the 1E Beam Laser. The downsides are the higher power draw and the huge amount of thermal load generated.
 
* [[Refinery]]
* [[Refinery]]
** Required to process the collected ore.
** Required to process the collected ore.
** Better refineries have multiple bins to process several types of ore simultaneously.
** Better refineries have up to ten bins to process several types of ore simultaneously.
 
* [[Collector Drone|Collector Limpet]]
* [[Collector Drone|Collector Limpet]]
** Automated collection massively improves profit per hour by collecting fragments automatically.  
** Automated collection massively improves profit per hour by collecting fragments automatically.
** Limpets have a set lifetime and will automatically collect items with no user input required.
** Limpets have a set lifetime and will automatically collect items with no user input required.
** Limpets need to be individually purchased at munition store (in the advanced maintenance tab) for 101 credit each limpet and will occupy your cargo rack (1T for each limpet).
** Limpets need to be individually purchased at munition store (in the advanced maintenance tab) for 101 credit each limpet and will occupy your cargo rack (1T for each limpet).
** The number of collector limpet modules on each ship is not limited to one, and installing more than one limpet module increases the max number of active limpet at a time, thus increasing collection efficiency. If you have space to install 2 class 5 collector limpet modules, for instance, you may have 6 collector limpets active simultaneously.
** The number of collector limpet modules on each ship is not limited to one, and installing more than one limpet module increases the max number of active limpet at a time, thus increasing collection efficiency. If you have space to install 2 class 5 collector limpet modules, for instance, you may have 6 collector limpets active simultaneously.
* [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector Limpet]]
* [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector Limpet]]
** Prospecting allows miners to view the mineral content of an asteroid even from a distance.
** Prospecting allows miners to view the mineral content of an asteroid even from a distance.
** Prospecting asteroids before mining results in double yield.
** Prospecting asteroids before mining results in double yield.
** These require limpets to work (Purchase limpets at any munitions store)
** These require limpets to work (Purchase limpets at any restock service). They are stored in your cargo holds.
** Generally, any size will do, even class 2 or 3. You won't need more than 2 or so active at once.
** In the new Analysis Mode, if a Commander fires a Prospecting Limpet at an asteroid, you will be able to see the highlighted location of all the deposits on it, making it easy for you to target and exploit those specific areas.
 
* [[Detailed Surface Scanner]]
** Aside from mapping the surfaces of planets, the Detailed Surface Scanner can also be used to identify mineral hotspots within planetary rings. Commanders can fire probes into the rings, which will then clearly display the areas worth investigating on your screen.<ref name=":0">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/content-recap-beyond-chapter-four-livestream-mining-and-squadrons.454587/ Frontier Forums: Content Recap: Beyond - Chapter Four Livestream - Mining and Squadrons]</ref>
 
* [[Pulse Wave Analyser]]
** Upon arrival within a ring, firing this module will send out a pulse of energy that will highlight any [[asteroids]] that have lucrative deposits on them.<ref name=":0" />
 
* [[Abrasion Blaster]]
** A new hardpoint module with which Commanders can shoot at Surface Deposits, breaking them off for collection. Whether you do it manually, using the cargo scoop, or with limpets, you'll be able to collect the resources at your leisure.<ref name=":0" />
 
* [[Sub-surface Displacement Missile]]
** This new [[hardpoint]] [[module]] is used for harvesting Sub-surface Deposits. Described as a 'drill on the end of a missile', this digs in to the rock at the point of impact. The cockpit interface will then show the displacement missile travelling through the rock. Holding down the trigger and releasing at a the optimal time displayed by the interface will allow you to recover valuable sub-surface minerals.<ref name=":0" />
** Class 1 of this tool has extremely limited ammo, and it is recommended to use a Class 2 version if possible.
** Requires a fair amount of accuracy, so should be mounted on the most central placed hardpoint, if possible.
 
* [[Seismic Charge Launcher]]
** Certain asteroids, as identified by the Fissures discovered on their surface, can be completely broken apart to reveal a treasure trove of resources. Commanders will place Seismic Charges within the Fissures at a particular charge level.<ref name=":0" />
** The cockpit interface will give you an idea of how much destructive power the charges will hold, and Commanders will have to be careful to not go too far above or below that threshold, at the risk of losing valuable materials.<ref name=":0" />
** A countdown for all the charges will display on screen, so Commanders are limited on the amount of time they have to set up the perfect controlled explosion.<ref name=":0" />
** The charges can be disarmed in the Contacts panel, however, this takes 10 seconds, and the Fissure will become unusable.
** These charges can also be detonated sooner by the Commander if desired.<ref name=":0" />
** Only available as a Class 2 hardpoint.


==Locations==
==Locations==
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This information can be found in the system map by targeting either the belt cluster or planet of interest. Planetary rings are labeled from inner to outer with descending letters starting from A.
This information can be found in the system map by targeting either the belt cluster or planet of interest. Planetary rings are labeled from inner to outer with descending letters starting from A.


Locations of planets with pristine metallic rings can be found [[Pristine Metalics|here]] and on [http://edtools.ddns.net/ Pristine Metallics Distances Calculator] site, screenshots of many of those systems listed are [http://imgur.com/a/vEqgv#0 here] .<nowiki/>
Locations of planets with pristine metallic rings can be found via the [https://edtools.cc/ Pristine Metallics Distances Calculator].
 
 
==Guide==
[[File:Mining-duo.jpg|thumb|200px|Mining duo]]


Mining involves three main steps:
==Guide to Mining==
[[File:Mining-duo.jpg|thumb|250px|Mining duo]]
Mining involves five processes:
# Probing
# Fragmenting
# Fragmenting
# Collecting
# Collecting
# Refining
# Refining
It is important to note that these steps will generally be happening all at the same time. Technique involves managing all three steps at once to maximize efficiency.
# Selling
 
It is important to note that the first four processes can overlap during a mining session, and must be carefully managed in order to maximize efficiency and profit.
 
=== Probing ===
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Asteroid-Probe.png|thumb|250px|Asteroid probe]]
''[[Elite Dangerous: Beyond]]'' Chapter Four (3.3) introduced new aspects to mining: using new tools and exploration mechanics, miners can investigate rings to locate the best spots to start their mining sessions, and then the best specific asteroids to probe and excavate for rewards.
 
*The [[Detailed Surface Scanner]] can analyze [[Planetary Ring Systems]] and highlight any resource-rich hotspots.
*The [[Pulse Wave Analyser]] can scan large areas within Planetary Ring Systems and highlight the most lucrative asteroids.
*The [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector Limpet]] can analyze a single asteroid and provide in-depth composition data before excavating.
 
=== Seismic Charges ===
[[File:Python-Mining-Asteroid-Explosion.png|thumb|250px|Python mining asteroid explosion]]
Currently there's one type of [[Asteroids|asteroid]] with a distinct shape and size that can be detonated. It's a medium sized rock, roundish "teardrop" in shape -or a pointy edge on one side and a fat bottom on the other. With the [[Pulse Wave Analyser]] it should always show a bright, brilliant yellow glow even as you approach it. There are fissures on the surface. Use the [[Seismic Charge Launcher]] to place Seismic Charges within the fissures. Then explode it to reveal valuable [[minerals]].


===Fragmenting===
===Fragmenting===
Make sure to bind a Mining Laser (preferably in its own firing group) just like you would do with any other weapon in game. Fly within range (being 500 m) of the asteroid and blast away with the Mining Laser. You have to hold down the trigger for a while (depending on the quality of Mining Laser you have bought) before a fragment chips off.
Make sure to bind a Mining Laser (preferably in its own firing group) just like you would do with any other weapon in the game. Fly within range (being 500 m) of the asteroid and blast away with the Mining Laser. You have to hold down the trigger for a while (depending on the quality of Mining Laser you have bought) before a fragment chips off.


Select the fragment of rock as a target. They are quite small and hard to detect visually but do show up as white contacts on your radar. When selected, you get details of the contents of the fragment, e.g. Bauxite (9.7%) Coltan (21.2%). Note that the mineral name which shows up first in the HUD doesn't necessarily represent the most valuable mineral! The mineral content is how much of a ton of cargo can be extracted from the fragment. E.g. if you scoop and process three 35% Indite shards you end up with 1 ton of Indite. Fragments range in mineral content from ~5% to ~65%. Asteroids contain 1 to 3 different minerals while fragments from the asteroids contain up to 2 of those minerals.
Select the fragment of rock as a target. They are quite small and hard to detect visually but do show up as white contacts on your radar. When selected, you get details of the contents of the fragment, e.g. Bauxite (9.7%) Coltan (21.2%). Note that the mineral name which shows up first in the HUD doesn't necessarily represent the most valuable mineral! The mineral content is how much of a ton of cargo can be extracted from the fragment. E.g. if you scoop and process three 35% Indite shards you end up with 1 ton of Indite. Fragments range in mineral content from ~5% to ~65%. Asteroids contain 1 to 3 different minerals while fragments from the asteroids contain up to 2 of those minerals.


===Collecting===
===Collecting===
[[File:Asp-Explorer-Asteroid-minerals-limpet-collect.png|thumb|250px|Asp collects asteroid minerals]]
Collecting fragments can be done with a cargo scoop or a collector limpet drone.
Collecting fragments can be done with a cargo scoop or a collector limpet drone.


To collect with a cargo scoop, first engage your scoop (just like you would with your landing gear or hardpoints), then fly slowly towards the target. Upon engaging the Cargo Scoop you will find that a blue box will have appeared on the lower left of you HUD. On there you should, if pointing at the rock, see an icon in the cross-hairs (the box). Continue to fly slowly towards the rock while holding the rock in the middle of the cargo scoop's cross-hairs until you have successfully acquired it.
To collect with a cargo scoop, first, engage your scoop (just like you would with your landing gear or hardpoints), then fly slowly towards the target. Upon engaging the Cargo Scoop you will find that a blue box will have appeared on the lower left of your HUD. On there you should, if pointing at the rock, see an icon in the cross-hairs (the box). Continue to fly slowly towards the rock while holding the rock in the middle of the cargo scoop's cross-hairs until you have successfully acquired it.


Asteroid fragments are more difficult to scoop than regular cargo, as their movement is more complex (not to mention the fact that you want to avoid hitting an asteroid while you're focused on scooping!) For this reason, it's advisable to use very slow speeds of 15 m/s while scooping. Furthermore, fragments will "decay" over time, meaning they slowly lose integrity until they disappear, so do not mine more than you can collect!
Asteroid fragments are more difficult to scoop than regular cargo, as their movement is more complex (not to mention the fact that you want to avoid hitting an asteroid while you're focused on scooping!) For this reason, it's advisable to use very slow speeds of 15 m/s while scooping. Furthermore, fragments will "decay" over time, meaning they slowly lose integrity until they disappear, so do not mine more than you can collect!
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===Refining===
===Refining===
[[File:Type 9 mining.jpg|thumb|200px|Type 9 Heavy mining]]
[[File:Diamondback-Mining.png|thumb|250px|Diamondback mining]]


Once a fragment enters your cargo hold, it will be deposited in the [[refinery]]. It can be accessed on the left panel of the cargo screen. The first bin is the depositing bin, where you will find your fragment. New minerals will attempt to drop into the refinery bins below. Depending on class your refinery will have between 1 and 10 of these bins.
Once a fragment enters your cargo hold, it will be deposited in the [[refinery]]. It can be accessed on the right panel under cargo tab, then there is a refinery tab on the left column. The first bin is the depositing bin, where you will find your fragment. New minerals will attempt to drop into the refinery bins below. Depending on class your refinery will have between 1 and 10 of these bins.


Items that appear in the depositing bin will automatically "stack" into the refinery bins below if a refinery bin that already contains that mineral exists. It will also drop into empty bins automatically. If no bin is available, you will have to vent your refinery (see next paragraph). This will happen until the bin reaches 100% at which point it will be emptied, the leftover mineral will remain in the depositing bin, and 1 ton of cargo (one unit of whatever mineral you have collected) appears in your cargo hold. Once your cargo hold is full, you can return to a station and sell your goods.
Items that appear in the depositing bin will automatically "stack" into the refinery bins below if a refinery bin that already contains that mineral exists. It will also drop into empty bins automatically. If no bin is available, you will have to vent your refinery (see next paragraph). This will happen until the bin reaches 100% at which point it will be emptied, the leftover mineral will remain in the depositing bin, and 1 ton of cargo (one unit of whatever mineral you have collected) appears in your cargo hold. Once your cargo hold is full, you can return to a station and sell your goods.
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You also have the option to "vent" the contents of your refinery. This is useful if you have a nearly-full refinery of bauxite and you find an asteroid with gold (or whatever else you prioritize). When no bin is available, minerals will not leave the depositing bin and will block it from accepting new fragments. When this happens you must either vent a refinery bin to free up space or vent the mineral from the depositing bin. NOTE: Doing this will destroy the mineral and you will not be able to recover it.
You also have the option to "vent" the contents of your refinery. This is useful if you have a nearly-full refinery of bauxite and you find an asteroid with gold (or whatever else you prioritize). When no bin is available, minerals will not leave the depositing bin and will block it from accepting new fragments. When this happens you must either vent a refinery bin to free up space or vent the mineral from the depositing bin. NOTE: Doing this will destroy the mineral and you will not be able to recover it.


== Values ==
===Selling===
This is a very rough guide to which minerals, metals, and chemicals are most valuable to mine. These prices will be lower or higher depending on demand in the station you're selling to. It can be helpful to screenshot the nearest station's metal, mineral and chemical market prices to ensure highest profit, since varying demand of different resources can result in great variation of value.
The value of a mineral is scaled to the supply/demand meaning that selling minerals where there are many other players selling the same mineral will result in a smaller profit per ton as demand for that item is low with so many suppliers. Systems that are both refinery economies and have an asteroid field will tend to give you a lower price compared to what you would get if you were to travel somewhere more distant to the source (source being asteroid fields). Also, checking the bulletin board is very important, since mining mission rewards can reach hundreds of thousands of credits. The most sought-after minerals in missions are painite, osmium and platinum.
{| class="article-table"
 
|+ 
Accepting Mining contracts at the Mission Board yields much more money for the mined commodities.
 
Styx is an excellent example of where we see a massive drop in prices. It has both mining equipment for sale, is very close to the spawn point for new players, has mineable asteroid fields and is a refinery economy (means it will have a constant demand for minerals to refine), it is therefore going to be very popular to sell minerals there which is going to lead to a price drop due to a saturated market.
 
Keep in mind that carrying valuable resources around attracts pirates and other players may also try to rob you. With mining lasers attached you will be less effective at defending yourself so don't lug rare metals around too long.
 
== Resource Availability and Values ==
=== Commodities ===
This is a table displaying the approximate market prices for mined minerals, metals, and chemicals. Most high value minerals, including Void Opals and Alexandrite, are gemstones that can only be obtained via core mining, while some such as Painite and Low Temperature Diamonds can be mined with lasers. Market prices for mined commodities vary depending on the economy type of a station and its level of demand for a specific good.
 
Note that this table is updated infrequently, and it is strongly recommended to check third-party tools such as [https://eddb.io/commodity eddb.io] or [https://inara.cz/galaxy-commodities/ inara.cz] for the latest prices.
{| class="sortable article-table"
|-
!'''Minerals'''
!'''Galactic Average Price (CR/t)'''
!'''Available in Ring Type'''
!'''Extraction Method'''
|-
|-
|'''Minerals'''
|[[Void Opals]]
|'''Galactic Average Price per ton*'''
|135,284
|'''Available in Ring Type'''
|Icy
|Core
|-
|-
|Low Temperature Diamond
|[[Low Temperature Diamonds]]
|57445
|106,353
|Icy
|Icy
|Core, Laser
|-
|[[Alexandrite]]
|217,277
|Metal Rich, Icy, Rocky
|Core
|-
|-
|Painite
|[[Grandidierite]]
|40508
|197,292
|Metallic
|Metal Rich, Icy
|Core
|-
|[[Musgravite]]
|198,613
|Rocky
|Core
|-
|[[Monazite]]
|200,975
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Core
|-
|[[Serendibite]]
|172,711
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Core
|-
|[[Rhodplumsite]]
|176,839
|Metal Rich
|Core
|-
|[[Benitoite]]
|149,395
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Core
|-
|[[Painite]]
|53,016
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Core, Laser (metallic rings only)
|-
|-
|Bromellite
|[[Bromellite]]
|7062
|30,424
|Icy
|Icy
|Core, Laser
|-
|-
|Lithium Hydroxide
|[[Lithium Hydroxide]]
|5646
|5,673
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|Bertrandite
|[[Bertrandite]]
|2375
|18,817
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Methanol Monohydrate Crystals
|[[Methanol Monohydrate Crystals]]
|2282
|2,478
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|Indite
|[[Indite]]
|2088
|11,389
|Metallic, Metal Rich, Rocky
|Metallic, Metal Rich, Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Gallite
|[[Gallite]]
|1821
|11,915
|Metallic, Metal Rich, Rocky
|Metallic, Metal Rich, Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Coltan
|[[Coltan]]
|1319
|6,163
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Uraninite
|[[Uraninite]]
|836
|2,957
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Methane Clathrate
|[[Methane Clathrate]]
|629
|1,650
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|Lepidolite
|[[Lepidolite]]
|544
|771
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Metal Rich, Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Rutile
|[[Rutile]]
|299
|2,083
|Rocky
|Rocky
|Laser
|-
|-
|Bauxite
|[[Bauxite]]
|120
|1,140
|Rocky
|Rocky
|Laser
|}
|}
{| class="article-table"
{| class="sortable article-table"
|
!'''Metals'''
|
!'''Galactic Average Price (CR/t)'''
|
!'''Available in Ring Type'''
!'''Extraction Method'''
|-
|-
|'''Metals'''
|[[Platinum]]
|'''Galactic Average price per ton*'''
|58,263
|'''Available in Ring Type'''
|Metallic
|Core, Laser
|-
|-
|Platinum
|[[Palladium]]
|19756
|50,639
|Metallic
|Metallic
|Laser
|-
|-
|Palladium
|[[Thorium]]
|13295
|11,317
|Metallic
|Metallic
|Laser
|-
|-
|Gold
|[[Gold]]
|9401
|47,610
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Osmium
|[[Osmium]]
|9136
|45,198
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Praseodymium
|[[Praseodymium]]
|8604
|8,620
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Samarium
|[[Samarium]]
|8090
|25,852
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Silver
|[[Silver]]
|4777
|37,223
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Metallic, Metal Rich
|Laser
|-
|-
|Cobalt
|[[Cobalt]]
|647
|3,762
|Rocky
|Rocky
|Laser
|}
{| class="sortable article-table"
!'''Chemicals'''
!'''Galactic Average Price (CR/t)'''
!'''Available in Ring Type'''
!'''Extraction Method'''
|-
|-
|
|[[Tritium]]
|
|36,825
|
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|'''Chemicals'''
|[[Hydrogen Peroxide]]
|'''Galactic Average price per ton*'''
|3,160
|'''Available in Ring Type'''
|-
|Hydrogen Peroxide
|917
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|Liquid Oxygen
|[[Liquid Oxygen]]
|263
|1,474
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|-
|-
|Water
|[[Water]]
|120
|278
|Icy
|Icy
|Laser
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The value of these commodities can be multiplied several times their market price by accepting mining contracts posted on the mission boards of certain station economies.
==Selling==
The value of a mineral is scaled to the supply/demand meaning that selling minerals where there are many other players selling the same mineral will result in a smaller profit per ton as demand for that item is low with so many suppliers. Systems that are both refinery economies and have an asteroid field will tend to give you a lower price compared to what you would get if you were to travel somewhere more distant to the source (source being asteroid fields). Also, checking the bulletin board is very important, since mining mission rewards can reach hundreds of thousands of credits. The most sought-after minerals in missions are painite, osmium and platinum.


[[Styx]] is an excellent example of where we see a massive drop in prices. It has both mining equipment for sale, is very close to the spawn point for new players, have mineable asteroid fields and is a refinery economy (means it will have a constant demand for minerals to refine), it is therefore going to be very popular to sell minerals there which is going to lead to a price drop due to a saturated market.
===Materials===
 
Most [[Raw Materials]] can be mined from asteroids in addition to planetary surface prospecting. Materials cannot be sold for credits, but are accepted by [[Engineers]] and [[Technology Broker]]s in exchange for powerful modifications and special modules. Those Materials that can be extracted from asteroids are listed in the table below.
== Materials ==
This is a rough guide to which materials are available to mine.
{| class="article-table"
{| class="article-table"
|+
|+Raw Materials
 Elements
|-
|'''Grade 1'''
|'''Grade 2'''
|'''Grade 3'''
|'''Grade 4'''
|-
|[[Carbon]]
|[[Vanadium]]
|[[Niobium]]
|[[Yttrium]]
|-
|-
|'''Class I'''
|[[Phosphorus]]
|'''Class II'''
|[[Chromium]]
|Class III
|[[Molybdenum]]
|Class IV
|[[Technetium]]
|-
|-
|Carbon
|[[Sulphur]]
|Chromium
|[[Manganese]]
|Arsenic
|[[Cadmium]]
|Cadmium
|[[Ruthenium]]
|-
|-
|Iron
|[[Iron]]
|Germanium
|[[Zinc]]
|Niobium
|[[Tin]]
|Mercury
|[[Selenium]]
|-
|-
|Nickel
|[[Nickel]]
|Manganese
|[[Germanium]]
|Selenium
|[[Tungsten]]
|Molybdenum
|[[Tellurium]]
|-
|-
|Phosphorus
|[[Rhenium]]
|Vanadium
|[[Arsenic]]
|Tungsten
|[[Mercury]]
|Tin
|[[Polonium]]
|-
|-
|Sulphur
|[[Lead]]
|Zinc
|[[Zirconium]]
|Zirconium
|[[Boron]]
|
|[[Antimony]]
|}
|}
Frequency: I (very common) > II (common) > III (standard) > IV (rare)
== Pirates and other miners ==
Pirates can be a problem. They occasionally do a fly-by and scan you. They might even attack. You can prepare for this eventuality in several different ways:
* If you have brought some defensive weaponry of your own it may be possible to turn the tables on your would-be attacker, earning yourself a bounty payout in the process. Of course, rigging your ship for combat might reduce your cargo space, so you would have to travel a lot more between your mining site and the station every time your cargo hold is full.
* Jumping away into supercruise or hyperspace is also an option if you find yourself outmatched, although it might be frustrating having to abandon valuable asteroids you may have discovered. It is also important to remember that asteroid rings establish a mass-locking effect on your frame shift drive, necessitating that you clear the asteroid field to a sufficient distance before your FSD will begin charging. Asteroid belt clusters will not lock your FSD, but retain enough local mass to disrupt low-energy jumps. It is also necessary to align towards a sensible escape vector before your computer will engage the jump.
* Lastly, if you're in a system controlled by a non-anarchic faction, resource extraction sites are often patrolled by security forces mobilized to defend miners and engage any wanted ships they detect. Ensure your ship's computer is set to 'report crimes committed against me' to enable a swift security response.
* Additional tip - You can mine planetary rings anywhere, even completely outside a Resource Extraction Site (RES)- just get close in supercruise, then lower your speed to minimum before hitting the ring. Hitting the ring at this speed will cause you to drop out of supercruise at the ring with no damage although you will not have police protection (usually). Alternatively, in a RES, fly 30 or more km away from the RES marker. You will not see any NPCs spawn again unless you go closer. It does not seem to make any difference to the quality of rocks you mine.


It's kind of a dirty trick, but if you see other NPC miners out there zapping away, it's usually worth it to mine the rock they're currently working on. They seem surprisingly good-natured about you grabbing their spot, even.<nowiki/>
==Pirates and other miners==
==Tips==
Miners are a popular target for piracy, and pirates can often be found lurking around planetary rings in inhabited systems, where they will attempt to scan any ship that arrives in their vicinity. If a scanned ship is carrying anything other than limpets, they will attack and try to seize its cargo. The danger posed by pirates can be prepared for in the following ways:
[[File:Elite Dangerous Mining Tips (Gamma 1.05)|thumb]]
[[File:Advanced Mining|thumb]]
* Asteroid fragments will display on the ship's radar as grey boxes.
* Use the System Map to find systems with asteroid belts or rings that have the description "Pristine Reserves" and "Metallic".
* Mining in planetary rings is more effective as there are always plenty of nearby asteroids to choose from (unlike belts).
* For maximum profit, focus on mining highly valued metals or minerals (like Painite, Platinum, Palladium or Low Temperature Diamonds).
* Use collector drones to speed up efficiency.
* Use prospector drones to double the yield of asteroid fragments.
* If the asteroid's fragments have low concentration (below ±15%), don't waste your precious time and try different one.
* Even if your cargo is full, you can still fill up the refinery to 100% per slot. When you return to a starport to sell your cargo, this frees up space and each full refinery slot will go into your cargo hold. Treat it as extra cargo space.
* Planets create massive shadows. Be sure to avoid mining in the shadow of the planet or turn up your gamma.
* The material content (Low, Medium, High) does not affect the amount of metals, minerals or chemicals that the asteroid contains.


==Trivia==
*Miners can, if their ship has the capacity, bring along weapons and simply destroy the attackers, earning a bounty voucher in the process. Obviously, this reduces a ship's cargo space and therefore the time it can devote to a single mining session before it must leave and sell its cargo.
* Added in the Beta 3 Update which went live on October 28th, 2014.
*Jumping to supercruise or hyperspace can escape pirates if they cannot be defeated or eluded, but this means losing time to spend on mining. Also note that planetary rings exert mass lock, preventing jumps until a ship has cleared them. Asteroid belt clusters are smaller and do not exert mass lock, but are far less lucrative to mine.
*Resource Extraction Sites in inhabited systems controlled by non-anarchy minor factions will usually be patrolled by security forces that will help defend miners and engage any wanted ships they detect. Ensure "Report crimes committed against me" in the right HUD panel is toggled on to enable a swift security response.
*While any location in a planetary ring can be mined, there is 25-100% bonus, depending on threat level, in the amount of material that can be mined from an asteroid within a 20km radius of a RES site. Pilots can enter a RES site then fly out to its edge, where no other ships will be active, to safely mine and enjoy the bonus.
*Any ship with a speed of over 450m/s will outrun all pirates except those with engineered ships, such as pirates encountered in Wing missions.
* Ships equipped with a [[Fighter Hangar]] can use [[Ship-Launched Fighters]] for protection if their hardpoints are occupied by mining tools. Simply deploy a fighter upon arrival and use it or order a crewmember to defend yourself. This could make the [[Keelback]] a decent early option for an armed miner, but its low cargo space with a fighter bay may prove an issue.


==News==
==Cooperative mining==
{{quote|30 OCT 3300
Multiple ships or a [[Wing]] can cooperate to mine more efficiently by specializing each ship's loadout. For example, one pilot can fly a speedy, low-mass ship such as the [[Asp Scout]] equipped only with [[Seismic Charge Launcher]], [[Abrasion Blaster]]s, and [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|prospector limpets]] while the second pilot can fly a larger ship such as the [[Anaconda]] with ample cargo space, [[Limpet Controller/Collector|collector limpets]], and a [[Refinery]].<ref name=":1">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/a9pgdo/thanks_frontier_for_actually_making_coop_mining_a/ reddit: Thanks Frontier for actually making coop mining a thing now]</ref>


GalNet News:
The miner ship should crack a suitable deep core asteroid, then use the Abrasion Blaster on any surface deposits. While the refinery ship collects and refines the ore, the miner ship can move on and locate another deep core asteroid with its prospector limpets. This process can be repeated until a ship runs out of cargo space, limpets, or ammunition. Cooperating pilots can then return to a station to split the cargo; take care to avoid jettisoning cargo for this purpose within a station's jurisdiction to avoid penalties for littering.<ref name=":1" />
Mining Special report!


According to the experts at Wreaken Construction and Mining, all you need is a refinery, a mining laser and a little luck. Most rings in known space are depleted but for the individual there is still some money to be made. The Current equipment is not configured to work with ice rings and the best yields will be found on metal rings far from populated space.
== SRV mining ==
[[File:ED SRV Scarab Commander Metallic Meteorite.png|thumb|Metallic Meteorite and commander with SRV]]
By using the [[Wave Scanner]] you can locate materials. The turret can blow it into chunks which are collectable by driving over it with the SRV's cargo scoop.


Our contacts at Stellar Cartographics, James Urquhart, was keen to point out that data is available in any of the mapped systems, showing both the type of ring/belt and the level of reserves. Reserves have been categorised from Depleted to Pristine and the belt composition comes under one of four types.|In-Game Galnet News}}
==Notes==
*Mining features were first added in the Beta 3 Update for ''[[Elite Dangerous]]'', which was released on October 28, 2014.
*Mining was greatly expanded with new features and modules by ''[[Elite Dangerous: Beyond]]'' Chapter Four (3.3), which was released on December 11, 2018.
*Mining in [[Planetary Ring Systems]] is always more efficient than mining Asteroid Belt clusters because rings contain vastly more asteroids. Use the System Map to identify rings with "Pristine Reserves", which guarantee more plentiful results.
*The material content (Low, Medium, High) does not affect the amount of metals, minerals or chemicals that the asteroid contains. Instead, focus on the concentration of a substance within the asteroid's fragments. If the fragments have a low concentration, near or below 15%, move on to another asteroid. Using Prospector Limpets can double the yield of asteroid fragments.
*Even if cargo capacity is full, the Refinery can still be filled to 100% per slot. Upon selling a haul at a station, the full Refinery slots will complete processing and add additional units to the cargo hold, allowing the Refinery to be used as an overflow cargo space to a limited extent.
* Asteroid fragments may drift and clip into other asteroids or chunks from a detonated asteroid, but Collector Limpets will still attempt to collect those fragments and will end up destroying themselves. If a player notices they are losing Collector Limpets with unusual frequency, this may be the cause, and the problematic fragment should be added to the exclusion list.
* Activating [[Night Vision]] can be useful even when mining in bright areas. Night Vision allows asteroids and asteroid chunks to be seen through debris clouds caused by core mining and certain sections of rings.


==Videos==
==Videos ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Elite_Dangerous_Guide_to_Mining
File:New Mining Overview Elite Beyond 3.3
File:UPDATED MINING TUTORIAL AND LOADOUT ELITE DANGEROUS CHAPTER 4 3.3 UPDATE
File:Elite Dangerous - How to Mine Void Opals for ~100 Million Credits per Hour
File:Advanced miners guide How to locate Mother lodes Elite Dangerous.
File:Elite Dangerous 3.3 Beta 2 Mining - Boom!
File:Elite Dangerous - Another way to look at it
File:Elite Dangerous Deep core mining in an Anaconda
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Gallery==
==Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Advanced_Mining
File:Image_Weapon_Mining-Laser.jpg|A Mining Laser
File:Image_Weapon_Mining-Laser.jpg|A Mining Laser
Mining Asp.jpg|Mining Asp
File:Mining Asp.jpg|Mining Asp
Mining-duo.jpg|Mining duo
File:Mining-duo.jpg|Mining duo
SideWinderMining.JPG|Sidewinder mining
File:Sidewinder-MkI-mining.png|Sidewinder mining
Type 9 mining.jpg|Type 9 Heavy mining
File:Type 9 mining.jpg|Type 9 Heavy mining
Diamondback-Mining.png|Diamondback Mining
File:Diamondback-Mining.png|Diamondback Mining
File:Python-Mining-Asteroid-Explosion.png|Python mining asteroid explosion
File:Elite-Dangerous-Asteroid-Probe.png|Asteroid Probe
File:ED-Mother-lode-asteroid-metallic-rings.png|Shape of mother load asteroid in metallic rings
File:Elite-Dangerous-Deep-Core-Mining-Guide.png|ED Deep Core Mining Guide
</gallery>
</gallery>


[[Category:Tutorial]]
==References==
<references />
[[ru:Разработка астероидов]]
[[Category:Commerce]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Careers]]