Mining operations at ESM 01 (the main mine on Pandora) have
proceeded according to plan, despite casualty rates running somewhat
higher than anticipated.
Continuing reports of miners feeling strange tactile sensations and
distortions in vision and hearing- likely result of electromagnetic
field. Some report disturbing thoughts or compulsions, irregular
heartbeats, limb paralysis, muscle tremors, or vertigo and nausea.
Excavation has been carried out with standard non-ferrous beryllium
copper and tungsten carbide fusion-electric powered mining equipment
modified with sealed operator cockpits and atmosphere filtration units.
A typical mining cycle involves placing chemical charges above an
ore deposit using satellite-positioned drill trucks, detonating the
charges to loosen the overburden, then removing the overburden with
excavators and dozers. After the ore has been exposed, it is carefully
removed with diggers and trucks; if the ore is pure enough to
spontaneously levitate, special belt diggers feeding into covered
trucks are used instead.
The mine and refinery complex is relatively untroubled by Pandoran
life-forms, with 50-cal sentry guns on guard towers easily able to cope
with marauding ground and air attackers. Regular effluent sprays around
the perimeter of the complex keep vegetation in check.
Vehicle cabs are shielded against toxins; mining personnel are
advised not to spend more than 20 minutes per day outside their vehicle
cabs and are routinely decontaminated before they are allowed into
Hell's Gate.
