Are certain areas better for mining than others? I *think* that I get better results when I mine for energy in the desert near those glowing crystals, but I can't be sure with all the variability. I don't want anyone to just tell me where any hot spots are, but rather what I should look for.
Yes, some areas are better than others, but it's not really connected to features of the landscape. I recommend using LBML (mininglog.com) to build mining maps and find areas you like. All areas will give you about the same TT return, but each area will have its own average markup. Markup is the key. Markup changes over time and Mindark also changes the abundance of ores at times, so areas might be good one month and not so good the next. Also keep in mind that the average search depth of your finder is an important factor in determining which ores you find. Some ores, like Ospra, are found at any depth but others more specific.
Wow, sounds tricky! So there is no way to tell which areas are better than others other than trial and error, and even if you DO figure out a nice location, it can be changed. Now this markup thing. Are you saying that what you want to do if figure out what materials are mined at what locations, keep track of the market value of various materials, and go after the locations that produce the goods that have the best market value at the time? That every location will produce a relatively fixed amount of goods based on TT and your equipment/skills so the only way to make a profit is to mine the stuff that is currently in demand? I've read enough to understand that the game shells out reqards based on the cost of obtaining the rewards whether hunting, mining or whatever. So if you use better equipment, you will get more goods but the cost from the repairs/replacement of the equipment over time offsets the value of the goods you get. And the only way to 'get ahead' is to go after the goods that are in demand and sell for a decent markup. What you said reinforces this as far as mining goes. In summary, there really are no good or bad places to sink a probe without factoring in MU and skill/profession! Speaking of which, would I be incorrect in assuming that if you have a good geology/mining skill vs drilling/surveying you will get better results mining for ores than enmat? If that is the case, would it be a good idea as a newbie to concentrate on one or the other and try to boost up skills/profession in one area to get better results? Long term, I will want to branch out more since I want to be a craftsman and will end up needing all sorts of materials to do that.
Yes the system wont give you TT profit longterm, if it did you wouldn't be able to run a company supplying this Planet for us No, only different ones that might be more valuable. Only way to get "more" is to use mining amps like Terra Amp 1(L) but that adds more costs so not really "more". Geology, is shared between all mining professions Mining, is the drilling skill for Ore Drilling, is the drilling skill for Enmatts Surveying, is the main skill for Enmatt mining Prospecting, is the main skill for Ore mining Treasure Sense, is the main skill for Treasure seeking And sounds like you got no mentor yet, could be a good idea to try and find a good mentor that's online when you are
Well the good news with mining is that almost everything is in demand, so as long as you avoid mining for treasure you will profit in the long run. As long as you sell the resources for profit. But don't worry you'll loose your profits in crafting soon enough
I've tried three times to get a mentor and failed. I gave up. It may be that I'm not on-line all that often and when I am family often interrupts and I have to leave. I think it may just work out better for me if I ask my questions via the forum here. Unless someone out there really wants to be a mentor for someone who is really flakey.
I would say find a mentor (worst case scenario you'll get gifts for graduation), AND ask questions on the forum, there are more people here, so better chance you'll get a good answer.
