Mining is the number-one way to make money inElite Dangerous.

If only it was that simple.

Mining, like pretty much everything else in Elite Dangerous, is a bit complicated for the uninformed.

Elite Dangerous - Guide To Mining

Which Ship Do it’s crucial that you Go Mining?

If that’s all a bit much to take in at once, fair enough.

In the very early game, theAdderis the mining ship of choice.

elite dangerous cutter ship

This lets you attach more sophisticated mining gear that in turn allows you to collect more valuable ore.

Brand new minerswill likely want to check out theCobra Mark 3.

The Python also handles smoothly and can take a few shots from pirates.

elite dangerous cockpit view

Check out thefull rundown of the best mining ships in Elite Dangerous for more information.

First, choose a direction to head in, any way will dobecause Elite Dangerous is all about adventure.

We did say it was complicated.

elite dangerous asteroid explosion

Mining Lasers

These are the utility tools that actually make mining possible.

Refinery

The Refinery is essential on any mining ship.

This will store ore in chunks and convert it into cargo.

elite dangerous asteroid belt

Prospector and Collector Limpets

These two are very important to take with you on a mining expedition.

So How Do You Actually Mine?

For the purposes of this guide, let’s say you’re just getting started.

elite dangerous pirates mining

The mining process works like this:

And repeat.

Over and over again.

Fragmentationis done by firing your mining laser, which is bound to your controls like a ship’s weaponry.

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You want to be close, but not too close, and fire away at asteroids with minerals inside.

Collectinginvolves scooping up the ore like pick and mix or using the collector limpets that we mentioned earlier.

After that, head to a system where you want to sell your ores.

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This might take a bit of investigation but is worth it for all your hard work.

These are the sorts of details that you will learn over time.

Elite Dangerous is a simulator in every sense of the word.

You don’t just mine and sell whatever you find to your nearest space station.

Different areas in the galaxy (like Pristine Metallic Rings) can contain multiple varieties of ores.

Kit your ship out with Laser Mining gear and find a Platinum hotspot.

Good resources for new Elite Dangerous players include some of the fan-run websites, such asedtools.ccandeddb.io.

you’re able to eitherrunorfight.Either is fine.

NEXT:Elite Dangerous Players Are Running A Gulag, Using Trapped Newbies To Farm Resources