I think that mining should play more of a part in trading, and factional activities (and capital construction until that is phased into purchase). As of now, there are plenty of worthless mining belts that play little part in the gameplay.

My idea: Create 2-3 mining areas TOTAL throughout the galaxy. One in rebel space, one in Imperial space, and one possibly between the Hutts/Corsec. Give each area one important mineral, and have the major sell-point for these minerals be in locations that are owned by other factions. For example , a mineral in Sullust that sells the highest in Muunilist.

This isn't the greatest example, but the concept is that faction-aligned miners would need to either sell their minerals to a civilian/neutral transport that is capable of flying through enemy space, or risk using a civilian character for the whole process and being hassled by the other faction once they are identified as supporting the "enemy"---

Additionally, faction miners and traders could schedule "mining raids" into enemy/neutral fields, bringing escorts to fend off the NPCs and hostile players.

This system would be a more peaceful version of a 2 or 3 way inter-factional drug smuggling system (which should also be implemented/enhanced to give independents/smugglers more to do). It would create some fun scenarios, and generally give both factions and independents more things do DO out in space, and more reasons to interact with each other.

The balance would be somewhat tough, as the Imperials are effectively cut off from Hutt/Corsec space and rebels would thereby be able to control 2/3rds of the fields, so maybe two total fields would be best. Or have 2 fields and 2 sell points in the northern part of the galaxy that would force a run through Dathomir/Kashyyk--giving each side a restricted checkpoint system, combined with 2 fields and 2 sell points in the southern outer rim belt, allowing main faction interdiction from the reb/Imp systems down there (as well as a high risk of pirate interference). The key to balance being the requirement to go through at least one "funnel" causing the likelihood of player interaction (or of course flying the long way and spending an hour to sell cargo in order to avoid players).

Actually mining does play a bit of a part. Copper, gold, and lommite are two mineable minerals that play a role in stockpiling. At the moment varmigio is also mineable as well, but is less important in that the trade routes to get them aren't nearly as bad. For example:

Copper: Mined in Imp space ( ), OR sold at Endor. The NR can either risk getting caught mining our copper or take the pirate infested route.

Lommite: Mined in Imp Space ( ), OR sold at Bespin. Risky, risky, lommite is particularly annoying because it is sold at the notorious Hurrim Stations. Have fun making that choice...

Gold: Mined in Imp Space ( ), OR sold at Muunilinst. This is kind of a freebie for the Imps, but it means we can harass NR who are in need of it.

Varmigio: Mined in NR Space ( ), OR sold at Garqi. This one is plentiful for both factions, but is easier to obtain for the NR.

You may have noticed most of those are in Imperial Space, before crying foul I would like to remind everyone that I have only touched one field in NR Space, and haven't tested Hutt or CorSec Space. And as an Imperial it is kind of easier to figure out where our mining fields are because I don't get shot at (as much).

The issue with this is that there are too many, and these minerals also can be purchased. While it seems realistic that minerals be sold at stations, it takes away from the more straight-forward approaches required to bring players into contact (and conflict) with each other more easily.

I'd quite like to see some spice smuggling once the Kessel system is up and running. Mining would be nice but it would be nice to see it spread around a bit. There also needs to be a reason for mining to be done as currently it is for stockpiling, however once that's gone it needs to be worth a reasonable amount of credits so people can go mine and upgrade to bigger ships (remembers the days of mining in a CR90)

It would be nice if mining/trading/selling boosted one's reputation. My CEC character bought a YB-300 and now he's stuck with it till he earns his cap-ship cause there is no way that ship is going to win even an assassination mission and he doesn't have enough rep to buy a YT or anything else for that matter.

Um. Why don't you just sell it and replace it with a YT or cargo ferry if you hate it so much?

You get 90% of your ship's value back when you sell it.