A segment of the Elite Dangerous community has expressed frustration with surface mining mechanics, particularly when using the Rhino vehicle. Players report that mineral deposits within surface signals are often too small and spaced too far apart, making it inefficient to deploy multiple mining rigs. Compared to core mining, surface mining is seen as more time-consuming and less rewarding, lacking options like simultaneous laser mining and sub-surface displacement. This dissatisfaction may affect player engagement with planetary resource gathering as of September 2026.
- Mineral deposits in surface signals are small and widely spaced.
- Surface mining lacks core mining's simultaneous laser and displacement features.