Off-world mines are fictional mines on a planet, moon, asteroid, or other celestial object. They may gather critical resources (metals, gasses, ice) or some fictional material. If large enough, these establishments may be an off-world colony that supports a small population. There may be giant heavy machinery at these locations to help extract ore. They may contain a refinery, powerplant, a network of pipes and conveyors, and worker barracks. There may be a medical bay on site to help with injuries, hydroponic farms to feed the crew, as well as a satellite dish or long-range communications systems. Air may be important in oxygen-limited environments, so buildings may have extensive ventilation systems as well as airlocks. Transporting the harvested resources away from the mine may require a landing pad. Off-world mines may be home to miners, company men, synthetic humanoid workers, and the occasional alien intruder.

Off-world mines are frequently subject to infestations in narratives or predation from an alien imposter. Miners may also run the risk of stumbling into alien ruins and triggering long dormant automated systems. Like all fictional mines, off-world mines may feature collapsing chambers, perilous bridges, and collapsing floors. There may be massive elevators and central shafts that connect the surface to the mining sites below.

In addition to the normal hazards posed by mining, off-world mines may experience dangerous storms. The crew may need to account for high or low gravity conditions.

Off-world mines may be part of a galactic trade route and may be an opportunity to explore a fictional corporation.

Mining in an alien environment may require heavy duty fictional vehicles.

There may be creatures that lurk in the depths below…