Mining

Mining is a late-game production building that converts bulk consumable materials into Scrap Metal, and it is the only renewable source of infinite Scrap in the game. Scrap produced by Mining is intended for Smelters to be turned into Metal Blocks used in advanced construction and end‑game infrastructure. The building accepts a variety of input consumables and outputs Scrap at a steady rate while staffed.

Mining employs up to 10 Workers. Each worker assignment carries a significant risk of Injury; mining is one of the highest‑risk labor tasks and generates frequent medical needs while active. The building must be unlocked through Science research before it can be built.

Because Mining consumes large quantities of materials, it requires careful supply planning. Place dedicated storage for the required consumables adjacent to Mining to avoid long worker trips and to keep throughput steady. Provide ample Scrap storage nearby so output does not back up and halt production.

Practical usage and strategy:

• Keep staffing low at first. Mining does not need to be fully staffed continuously; running fewer workers reduces total injuries and eases medical load. Increase staffing only during periods of heavy metal demand.
• Prioritize medical capacity before increasing mining activity. Expand Medical Beds and healthcare supplies in anticipation of injuries generated by mining workers.
• Scavenge natural Scrap on maps before relying on Mining. Map scrap is a free source that should be exhausted prior to investing in sustained Mining operations.
• Transition to Bots when available. Once you can produce and deploy Bots, replace human miners with Bots to eliminate injury risk and stabilize production.
• Place storage for consumables and Scrap close to the Mining building to maximize efficiency and minimize worker travel time.
• Plan research and resource allocation. Mining requires significant Science investment to unlock and consumes large inputs; integrate it into mid‑to‑late game planning rather than early expansion.

Category: Metal