User:T0shi koni/Mining op security
The E-Uni has a unique mining op SOP. I suspect it is to account for a larger than average number of newer players mining in frigates. I also suspect that a large number of those same players who leave the Uni only having experienced E-Uni's protocols will have a culture shock when introduced to more conventional mining operations. So I will discuss security procedures found in those mining ops. For more information on E-Uni mining ops see here[1].
Introduction
My purpose here is to introduce you to various mining op security tactics, ranging from those applicable to frigates solo mining to those for organized ops involving exhumers and barges. I will do this by discussing the three primary threats in the belt: NPC rats, can flippers, and pirate gankers. I will also limit this page to high sec mining. Low sec and null sec have their own pitfalls and perils, requiring different tactics and techniques.
Regardless of your ship type, there is one thing you should always do, fit a tank. If you are in a frig, this might be limited to a small shield booster, but fit what you can.
NPC Rats
In a frigate, your options are limited but vary a little based on your racial frigate. The best option, regardless of your race, is to find a larger ship capable of defending itself and getting near it to mine. When the rats come into the belt, this ship will take action to defend itself and thereby defend you as well. If you can't find any other ships to mine near then this is the point that your ships race comes into play. All racial frigates except the Minmitar Burst have a drone bay capable of carrying one drone and a light scout drone is easy to get. The Burst's option for a weapon is to fit a gun on one high slot but since you only have two high slots and this will cut your mining capability in half. An advantage the Burst does have is its three mid slots. This allows you to fit a better shield tank if you have the skills. Likewise, the three low slots in the Amarr Tormentor, allows you to fit a armor tank in the low slots.
Cruiser is where you begin to have serious options for defense. Cruisers have drone bays capable of holding several drones. At this point, you should train your drone skills up. Amarr and Gallente cruisers get a yield bonus to mining drones so carry those and fit a couple of guns in your high slots. Caldari and Minmatar cruisers get a yield bonus to mining lasers so carry combat drones and fit mining lasers. Light scout drones can used relatively quickly, need only Drones trained to III and Light Scout Drones trained to I allows you to deploy 3 drones.
If you are mining in a BS, play with your fit to see if you get a better yield with mining lasers or drones and fit your ship appropriately. If you are in an exhumer or mining barge, the yield on your strip miners makes mining drones pointless so fit combat drones as your skills allow.
Can Flippers
The simplest way to avoid can flippers is not to jet can mine. Either belt to station mine or place Giant Secure Containers (GCS). The first, while safe, is slow and limits your yield per hour. The second requires you to be able to haul a GSC out to a spot and then have Anchoring I trained. There are two other options as well. You can buddy mine with a hauler who picks up out of your can as soon as you drop into it.
