Mining

Mining is a production building in the Metal category that consumes various materials to produce Scrap Metal. It is the only repeatable in‑game source of infinite Scrap, which is Smeltered into Metal block used for constructing advanced, end‑game structures. Mining is a late‑game tech that requires substantial Science research to unlock.

Mining employs up to 10 Workers who operate at a high risk of injury. The operation consumes a significant quantity of consumables, making mining one of the more resource‑intensive production chains. Because of the injury risk and ongoing consumption needs, mining is best introduced after scavenging available scrap from the map has been largely exhausted.

• Mining benefits from adjacent Storage for both its consumables and the Scrap it produces so that supplies and output are kept close and worker downtime is minimized.
• Keep staffing levels low at first; full staffing is rarely necessary except during peak metal demand. Increase the number of workers temporarily when metal consumption spikes, then scale back.
• Prepare for worker injuries by increasing available Medical Beds and medical capacity before ramping up mining operations.
• Prioritize replacing risky human workers with Bots when you have sufficient Bots available; automation reduces injury rates and long‑term labor costs.
• Because mining consumes many materials, plan supply lines and logistics (transporters, nearby warehouses) to keep the building supplied without clogging other production.
• Expect mining to be part of a late‑game transition: secure Scrap from maps and scavenging early, research the required Science, and only then expand mining as a steady, renewable source of metal.