Newcomer / Intro Core mining?

[F4fred]

Core mining can be very rewarding, especially if you set the charges properly and get a good blast yield. Laser mining also has it's advantages, although Painite isn't as lucrative as it used to be. One thing I like about laser mining is puts you in a slightly better defensive position since you don't need multiple hardpoints to effectively laser mine; you can get by with just one mining laser (as long as you can be patient). I was just core mining in an LTD hotspot today, as soon as I cracked an asteroid, 2 NPC pirates jumped in and I had to fend them off with a single pulse laser .... that got a little frustrating toward the end.

Most laser mining builds I have seen are packed with mining lasers for efficiency. Core mining only needs 2, the abrasion blaster and seismic charge launcher. On something like a Python that gives you 3 slots for weapons. I find the core mining builds are generally less demanding. You don’t need several big collector limpet controllers as you are dealing with fewer, but larger chunks of rock leaving a slot for a decent shield and still have plenty of cargo space.

 

[Northpin]

Most laser mining builds I have seen are packed with mining lasers for efficiency. Core mining only needs 2, the abrasion blaster and seismic charge launcher. On something like a Python that gives you 3 slots for weapons. I find the core mining builds are generally less demanding. You don’t need several big collector limpet controllers as you are dealing with fewer, but larger chunks of rock leaving a slot for a decent shield and still have plenty of cargo space.

Indeed, but in the end - the process of core mining is less efficient in terms of tons per hour than laser mining in double/triple hotspots.
but it has its perks

 

[F4fred]

That is super helpful thank you....

ETA: I also would like to try and move back closer to my home base and not be so 'reliant' on Borann for the initial wealth... this feels like the way to go...

This video has a good section on Core mining.

Source: https://youtu.be/8E70KlYbY2U
It is a general how to make money guide and deals with Void Opal mining, but the sections on use of the PWA and how to set charges are good. He takes the time to show you how to tell fakers from the genuine core asteroids and how to set charges for optimum yield.

 

[SportyScribe]

Indeed, but in the end - the process of core mining is less efficient in terms of tons per hour than laser mining in double/triple hotspots.
but it has its perks

I am not as bothered about getting the absolute maximum megabucks so it is more about learning something new

This video has a good section on Core mining.

Source: https://youtu.be/8E70KlYbY2U
It is a general how to make money guide and deals with Void Opal mining, but the sections on use of the PWA and how to set charges are good. He takes the time to show you how to tell fakers from the genuine core asteroids and how to set charges for optimum yield.

Cool!

 

[SportyScribe]

I set myself a couple of goals on my restart - Focus on Trading and hit Elite on that, and then switch to Combat & Exploring
Get 1bn Credits
Get into a Python at the very least

So should get into the Python this weekend at the very least !

 

[Northpin]

I am not as bothered about getting the absolute maximum megabucks so it is more about learning something new

Core mining is really rewarding in terms of Sheer Fun. The visuals are outstanding. The mechanics are nice and involving.
My laser mining Conda is setup for Core Mining too and i never pass the opportunity to crack a core.

But no matter how many videos you watch, it will only give you hints.
The entire process it's an acquired skill - so dont despair if it takes you longer to nail it

 

[Dommarraa]

That is super helpful thank you....

ETA: I also would like to try and move back closer to my home base and not be so 'reliant' on Borann for the initial wealth... this feels like the way to go...

When the next release drops, hotspots will all change. The location and size of hotspots doesnt, but the contents does, so you might like to do a little bit of local surveying for hotspots that overlap. Then when the next version drops, recheck these overlappers to see what their new contents are, you might find a usefull hotspot.

 

[[VR] Orodruin]

The entire process it's an acquired skill - so dont despair if it takes you longer to nail it

I second this. The first core asteroids I tried to crack I had to run away from because I was not able to set the charges properly in time.
Now I can crack one open in 20 seconds if there are two relatively nearby low strength fissures and luck out a bit with the resulting yield - and half of that time is the shortened countdown ...
Definitely an acquired skill.

 

[SportyScribe]

Damn - a whole cargo of LTDs and just got clobbered - missed the escape victor and got hull damage down to 22% even boosted a couple of times....

 

[aRJay]

I have a multi mining Python that carries a mining laser, seismic charge launcher, sub surface missile launcher, abrasion blaster and a pulse laser and so can do the lot if not very efficientLy.

To my mind the big trick for core mining is learning to recognise cores from a distance, the issue is that what they look like especially colour wise is affected by your graphics setup so while the guides are useful expect what you see to be somewhat different.

 

[SportyScribe]

I have a multi mining Python that carries a mining laser, seismic charge launcher, sub surface missile launcher, abrasion blaster and a pulse laser and so can do the lot if not very efficientLy.

To my mind the big trick for core mining is learning to recognise cores from a distance, the issue is that what they look like especially colour wise is affected by your graphics setup so while the guides are useful expect what you see to be somewhat different.

Well not deterred by getting my behind handed to me as I jumped into a system by an NPC ... I have flown back to base, dropped off the Cobra Quatrro and picked up my Uber Adder and will head back to where the Asp (No. 2) is and try again this afternoon.

Ships get lost... I was more annoyed that all my efforts to sort out my fire groups came to nowt as I was busted down to 22% hull by the time I had even boosted away twice after missing the escape vector, and even trying to high wake out became a fumbling mess. Ship lost, almost full cargo of LTDs went boom... and weirdly when I headed back out to Borann 2 initially... I had to rediscover it all over again... maybe because I never turned in that data?

 

[F4fred]

I have a multi mining Python that carries a mining laser, seismic charge launcher, sub surface missile launcher, abrasion blaster and a pulse laser and so can do the lot if not very efficientLy.

To my mind the big trick for core mining is learning to recognise cores from a distance, the issue is that what they look like especially colour wise is affected by your graphics setup so while the guides are useful expect what you see to be somewhat different.

I found the tip in the video to use the night vision very useful. The potential cores show up brighter than the other rocks. Then as you fly up close you start to see dark areas which go very dark the closer you get. Every time I see that now I know I have a core. Of course what sort of core you don’t know until you prospect it.

 

[F4fred]

Well not deterred by getting my behind handed to me as I jumped into a system by an NPC ... I have flown back to base, dropped off the Cobra Quatrro and picked up my Uber Adder and will head back to where the Asp (No. 2) is and try again this afternoon.

Ships get lost... I was more annoyed that all my efforts to sort out my fire groups came to nowt as I was busted down to 22% hull by the time I had even boosted away twice after missing the escape vector, and even trying to high wake out became a fumbling mess. Ship lost, almost full cargo of LTDs went boom... and weirdly when I headed back out to Borann 2 initially... I had to rediscover it all over again... maybe because I never turned in that data?

You need to practice your handbrake turns in the Quattro!

 

[Mersozz]

Most laser mining builds I have seen are packed with mining lasers for efficiency. Core mining only needs 2, the abrasion blaster and seismic charge launcher. On something like a Python that gives you 3 slots for weapons. I find the core mining builds are generally less demanding. You don’t need several big collector limpet controllers as you are dealing with fewer, but larger chunks of rock leaving a slot for a decent shield and still have plenty of cargo space.

Perhaps next time I should try your loadout. My mining ships (Krait II and Python) have the complete mining assortment to allow for both laser and core mining in a single run.

I suppose I could drop the Sub-Surface Displacement Missile in favor of another anti-Pirate hardpoint. I like to keep a Mining Lance because the extended range allows me to chip fragments from a distance, which saves on my use of prospector limpets.

 

[Northpin]

Well, i will adjust my Conda to this build - universal miner and some defensive capabilities

And as a Carrier based Miner, i can drop the 4A Fuel scoop - but not sure, should i go for 10 collectors and 4 prospectors or 11 Collectors and 2 Prospectors?
Choices...

 

[[VR] Orodruin]

I suppose I could drop the Sub-Surface Displacement Missile in favor of another anti-Pirate hardpoint. I like to keep a Mining Lance because the extended range allows me to chip fragments from a distance, which saves on my use of prospector limpets.

If you are not prospecting asteroids with an A-rated prospector you are losing out on fragment yield.

 

[Mersozz]

I use an A prospector, but will chip some fragments from time to time to test composition.