Metal Mine
The Metal Mine extracts metal ore from the planet's crust, providing the most fundamental resource for your empire.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Production Building |
| Produces | Metal |
| Requires | Energy |
| Prerequisites | None |
Description
Metal is the primary resource needed for all construction. The Metal Mine uses large-scale drilling operations to extract ore from underground deposits. Each upgrade increases the depth and efficiency of mining operations.
Production
Metal production is affected by both planet temperature and position in the solar system. These bonuses stack multiplicatively.
Base Formula
Production = 200 * Level * 1.1^Level * Temperature Modifier * Position Bonus * Universe Speed * Production Factor
Production Factor drops when your energy is negative.
Temperature Modifier
Temperature Modifier = (2.0 - 0.00641 * |MaxTemp - 65|)
Metal production peaks at 65°C (the "Goldilocks zone") and decreases at temperature extremes.
| Temperature | Modifier |
|---|---|
| -130°C | 0.75x |
| -40°C | 1.33x |
| 0°C | 1.58x |
| 65°C | 2.00x (optimal) |
| 100°C | 1.78x |
| 150°C | 1.45x |
| 200°C | 1.13x |
| 260°C | 0.75x |
Position Bonus
Planet position affects production based on typical temperature zones:
| Position | Bonus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.75x | Hot inner planet |
| 2 | 0.93x | |
| 3 | 1.14x | |
| 4 | 1.68x | |
| 5 | 1.77x | |
| 6 | 1.84x | |
| 7 | 1.90x | |
| 8 | 1.97x | |
| 9 | 2.00x | Optimal position |
| 10 | 1.97x | |
| 11 | 1.90x | |
| 12 | 1.84x | |
| 13 | 1.58x | |
| 14 | 1.32x | |
| 15 | 0.75x | Cold outer planet |
Production Table
Base production at Level 10 (before modifiers): 5,190/hour
| Level | Base/Hour | At Optimal (4x) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 220 | 880 |
| 2 | 490 | 1,960 |
| 3 | 800 | 3,200 |
| 4 | 1,180 | 4,720 |
| 5 | 1,620 | 6,480 |
| 6 | 2,130 | 8,520 |
| 7 | 2,730 | 10,920 |
| 8 | 3,430 | 13,720 |
| 9 | 4,250 | 17,000 |
| 10 | 5,190 | 20,760 |
| 15 | 12,540 | 50,160 |
| 20 | 26,910 | 107,640 |
"At Optimal" assumes position 9 (2.00x) + temperature 65°C (2.00x) = 4.00x total
Construction Costs
Formula
Metal = 60 * 1.5^(Level - 1)
Crystal = 15 * 1.5^(Level - 1)
Cost Table
| Level | Metal | Crystal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60 | 15 |
| 2 | 90 | 23 |
| 3 | 135 | 34 |
| 4 | 203 | 51 |
| 5 | 304 | 76 |
| 10 | 2,306 | 577 |
| 15 | 17,478 | 4,370 |
| 20 | 132,470 | 33,118 |
Energy Consumption
Formula
Energy = 10 * Level * 1.1^Level
Metal Mines are significant energy consumers. Always ensure adequate power before upgrading.
Strategy
Optimal Planets
For maximum metal production, look for:
- Position 8-10 - Best position bonuses (up to 2.00x)
- Temperature near 65°C - Best temperature bonus (up to 2.00x)
- Combined optimal: up to 4.00x base production
Upgrade Priority
Metal Mine should typically be your highest-level production building. The classic ratio:
- Metal Mine: Level X
- Crystal Mine: Level X-2
- Deuterium Synthesizer: Level X-4
Optimization Tips
- Mid-position planets - Positions 7-11 give the best metal bonuses
- Balance with energy - Don't upgrade past your power capacity
- Continuous upgrades - Metal is always needed
- Check storage - Upgrade storage before capping
Related Buildings
- Solar Plant - Provides energy
- Metal Storage - Stores produced metal
- Robotics Factory - Speeds construction