Aurum Planets

'Aurum' planets are known as mining planets that are captured and mined. Resources include fuel, precious gems, and rare metals. Often unhospitable, they are mined by elite teams. Whilst being an Aurum Planet Miner is a rather lucrative career, it is also one that is often cut short by injury or even sudden ****.

Due to the danger of their work, these teams are often targeted once they are off-planet. This is usually countered by formidable escorts that protect the ships from boarding parties, but this creates a risk/reward benefit. If miners are unable to find enough resources, trips become a money sink.

Key among the resources mined on Aurum planets is Xarium, a blue liquid used to fuel spacecraft. Xarium drilling is often difficult due to the nature of Aurum planets, but it is also considered a priority by every space empire as it is necessary to maintain fleets. Attempts have been made to make synthetic Xarium, but it is not as effective as Xarium itself.

The resources of Aurum planets are not unlimited, and many have already been overmined. Many believe the 'Golden Age of Space Travel' will come to an end eventually, as the production of synthetic 'Xarium' nor Xarium drilling cannot keep up with the demand of current space travel.

The Wri empire allow for private mining, but these ships usually scrounge Aurum planets that have been picked over. Still, these companies often turn a profit, and are often less risky operations as they are not often engaged by foreign forces. These private companies sometimes engage each other in private conflicts that go unreported. These battles often comprise of boarding actions to preserve whatever's been mined.

The Vatari nation allow for completely private mining, although the government will defend interests, and private security tends to be competent and brutal when deployed.

Aurum planets are owned by Naseef Empire and only its military is to conduct mining of any sort. In spite of this, corruption is often rife among those who mine resources and small amounts are traded on the black market by rogue military officers.