Laser mining might not be the flashiest or most intense career in Elite Dangerous, but for those seeking a calming, meditative loop, it’s one of the most rewarding and enjoyable professions in the game. Whether you’re in it for the credits or just the vibe, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started — from building your ship and choosing the best mining locations, to technique, cargo management, and selling your haul for maximum profit.

Let’s dig in — one fragment at a time.

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Why Laser Mining?

Laser mining might seem repetitive at first glance — and it is. But that’s precisely what makes it relaxing. When you’re in a laid-back mood and just want to enjoy the hum of space, few things beat the rhythm of laser beams stripping valuable ore from glittering asteroids.

It’s also profitable — without requiring engineering, combat, or third-party coordination. You can earn millions of credits, all while casually vibing to your favorite playlist.

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Step 1: Choosing Your Ship and Build

You can mine with almost any ship that has enough internal space for limpets and a refinery. That said, some ships are better than others for dedicated mining.

Ideal Mining Ships:

• Type-7 Transporter (excellent cargo space at a reasonable price)
• Python (all-around favorite)
• ASP Explorer (for beginners)

Note: No engineering required. Engineering makes mining faster, but it’s completely optional.

Recommended Modules:

• Mining Lasers (2–3)
• Prospector Limpet Controller
• Collector Limpet Controller
• Detailed Surface Scanner
• Refinery
• Cargo Racks (as much as possible)
• Shield Generator (optional but helpful)

Use convenient fire groups for switching between lasers, limpets, and scanners. Customize based on your ship’s layout and your own comfort.

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Step 2: Finding the Right Location

You can mine in any planetary ring, but for optimal profits, seek out:

• Pristine Metallic Rings
• With Platinum, Palladium, Osmium

How to Find Them:

• Use Inara.cz > Find nearest bodies
• Set:
  • Ring Type: Metallic
  • Reserve Level: Pristine
  • Sort: By distance

Best Profit Location:

• Omicron Capricorni B > Planet B1
  • Features two overlapping Platinum hotspots
  • Exceptional yields for laser miners

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Step 3: Starting the Mining Run

Before heading out:

• Bring enough limpets! It’s cliché, but forgetting them ruins the trip.

Once you arrive:

1. Use the Detailed Surface Scanner to map the ring and reveal hotspots.
2. Choose a Platinum hotspot (or Osmium/Palladium if unavailable).
3. Drop in directly from supercruise — no need to slow down.
4. After entering the ring:
   • Target the hotspot or planet to orient your ship.
   • Ignore NPC pirates scanning for limpets.

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Step 4: Mining Technique

1. Find an asteroid (any will do to start).
2. Deploy hardpoints and fire a Prospector Limpet.
3. Once the limpet connects, check the info panel.
   • Only mine asteroids with 10%+ valuable materials.
   • In Platinum overlaps, aim for 20%+ for maximum efficiency.

Mining Flow:

• Set 4 pips to weapons.
• Fire your mining lasers at the asteroid.
• Deploy collector limpets and open cargo scoop.
• Use the Contacts panel to add unwanted fragments to ignore list.
• Mine until the prospector says ‘depleted’.

Optimization Tips:

• For spinning asteroids, angle your ship to give limpets clear paths.
• Chain prospectors: While limpets finish collecting, scan the next rock.
• If cargo fills up with limpets, jettison a few to make room.
  • Add limpets to ignore list so you don’t scoop them again.

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Step 5: Selling Your Haul

Casual Selling:

• Any nearby station is fine if you’re not chasing max credits.

Maximum Profit:

1. Go to Inara.cz > Commodities > I want to sell
2. Input:
   • Your material (e.g., Platinum)
   • Your mining location
3. Sort by best price
4. Under Additional Options:
   • Set landing pad size for your ship
   • Set max price age to 16 hours

Important:

• Only sell to stations with demand at least 4x your cargo.
• Selling more than 25% of demand triggers bulk sales tax — reducing profit.

After selling:

• If you liked the spot, go again.
• If not, find a new location.

Guess what? You’re a miner now.

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Final Thoughts

Laser mining is the chillest profession in Elite. It won’t thrill you with action, but after a long day, it’s the perfect way to unwind and stack credits passively. The Type-7 is especially fun for this role — big, spacious, and easy to handle.

If you’re in the mood for something more interactive, stay tuned for a core mining guide — it offers the same serenity with a satisfying edge.

Until then, hold on to your space legs, please remember your limpets, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of lasers on rock.