Mining: Expanding my Repertoire as a Merchant

Recent Accomplishments

1. First to discover Hakkaia A 2
2. Purchased a new ship: Type-6 Transporter
3. Learnt the basics of mining
4. Earned a good reputation with the Othime Jet Dragons

Quick Recap

I plan to look at a second ship purchase to expand my repertoire as a merchant. I’ll be looking at freighters for cargo runs specifically. I may kit it out with a refinery and mining lasers, try my hand at mining too.
CMDR Chas McCarter

Latest Chapter

On the hunt for a new cargo vessel, I travelled just a few jumps away to Qureshi Orbital in the LHS 380 system, who had 15 different ships available to purchase from their shipyard. Looking for a budget freighter, I opted for a Type-6 Transporter, costing 1,045,945 CR. I’ve named her, Percheron.

The Percheron is a breed of draft horse. Usually grey or black in colour, Percheron’s are well muscled, and known for their intelligence and willingness to work.
Wikipedia

With the Type-6 I’ve increased my cargo capacity from 36 (50 max) to 100. I could have maxed that out at 120 but I opted to install a refinery, docking computer and shields. I’ve got my eye on a Keelback (3M CR approx.) longer term. It’s based on the Type-6 model but has slightly less cargo capacity to make room for superior hardpoints and a better power plant. That’s the downside of the Type-6, with just two small hardpoints you’re very limited in the weaponry department, especially if you want a couple of mining lasers as part of your setup like I do.

Type-6 Transporter, docked at Lone Rock, Othime System

With my new ship purchased and a full load of Bertrandite in the hold, I headed back to Lone Rock before scouting some of the local belts in the Othime system, on the lookout for nearby mining opportunities. I recorded my first attempt at mining below:

My second mining trip took me to the Caelinus A Belt Cluster in the Caelinus system, with a G white-yellow star for a backdrop, I had some truly stunning views while I worked. That location’s been bookmarked for future mining expeditions.

Commander Chas McCarter during a mining expedition in the Caelinus A Belt Cluster

Mixing a few mining trips with some cargo runs, I’ve now established a good reputation with the Othime Jet Dragons, mainly out of Lone Rock. That’s a first for me – I hadn’t exceeding a cordial reputation with any faction until now. Since Lone Rock is controlled by the Noblemen of Quilmes faction (Allegiance: Independent, Government: Feudal), it makes sense to try to get a better reputation with them too. Either that or help the Othime Jet Dragons (Allegiance: Independent, Government: Anarchy) vie for control of the system. Hmmm… I need to see how that will affect my own operations in this sector.