Joining a Mining Fleet

“Mining is good. Mining together is even better.”

One of the biggest advantages of joining Last Stand Enterprises (LSE) is access to organised mining fleets. While you can certainly mine alone, fleet mining is safer, more profitable, and far more enjoyable.

This guide explains what to expect when joining your first mining fleet and how you can become a valuable member from day one.

Why Mine in a Fleet?

Mining fleets offer several advantages over mining alone.

Fleet Boosts

Most LSE fleets are supported by an Orca, providing powerful mining boosts that improve:

  • Mining yield
  • Mining laser cycle time
  • Survey scanner range
  • Ship durability

These bonuses can significantly increase the amount of ore you mine over the course of a session.

Greater Safety

Mining together means:

  • More pilots watching Local.
  • Faster warning of potential gankers.
  • Assistance if NPC pirates appear.
  • Experienced fleet members available to answer questions.

While no fleet is completely safe, a coordinated group is far better protected than a lone miner.

Learn From Experienced Pilots

Every fleet is an opportunity to learn.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about:

  • Skills
  • Ship fittings
  • Mining techniques
  • Industry
  • ISK making
  • Future ship progression

Everyone in LSE was once a new pilot.

Before You Undock

Before joining a fleet, spend a few minutes preparing.

Fit Your Ship Correctly

Use an LSE-approved fitting whenever possible.

A properly tanked mining ship is far more likely to survive a suicide gank than one fitted only for maximum yield.

If you’re unsure about your fit, ask before undocking.

Bring the Right Equipment

Check that you have:

  • Mining lasers or Strip Miners fitted
  • Mining crystals (if required)
  • Combat drones
  • Sufficient cargo space
  • Appropriate implants (optional)

Nothing slows down a fleet more than discovering something important was left behind.

Repair Your Ship

Repair any damage before leaving station.

A damaged ship has less effective hit points and is easier to destroy.

Empty Your Ore Hold

Starting with a full ore hold usually means ending your mining trip very quickly.

Always begin with empty cargo and ore holds.

Joining the Fleet

You can ask for an invite in chat or you can look in the fleet window and find fleets, I will show you how below

Opening the fleet window

  • In the top left of your eve window click on the EVE symbol
  • Hover over social
  • Click on fleet

This will open the fleet window

Now you can see the fleet window.

Along the top you have 6 options

  • Fleet
  • Broadcasts
  • Respawn
  • Formations
  • Advert
  • Find Fleet

We want the find fleet, so click on that

Now you have the find fleet open

  • Click on find fleets

A number of fleets should show, for LSE you will be looking for the LSE mining fleet.

Now you are in the fleet

You can click and drag yourself into your own squad and you will get access to the fleet chat

If you’re unsure where to go, simply ask.

Never feel embarrassed about asking questions.

Arriving at the Belt

Once you arrive:

  • Don’t immediately start mining.
  • Check where everyone else is positioned.
  • Wait for instructions if necessary.

Fleet commanders may have specific plans for the mining field.

Positioning Your Ship

Good positioning keeps the fleet organised and ensures everyone has access to the rocks.

At LSE we recommend:

  • Stay close to your assigned group.
  • Remain within range of the Orca’s boosts.
  • Avoid spreading ships across the entire belt.
  • Leave room for other miners to work.

A tidy mining field benefits everyone.

Mining Etiquette

Go to the mining etiquette page here

Staying Safe

Mining fleets remain attractive targets for suicide gankers.

Always stay alert.

Watch for:

  • Large numbers of Catalysts or Tornados entering Local.
  • Players repeatedly scanning mining ships.
  • Pilots with known ganking histories.
  • Fleet warnings from experienced members.

If the Fleet Commander calls for everyone to dock or warp out:

Do it immediately.

Ore can be replaced.

Ships—and pods—are much more expensive.

Using Drones

Combat drones help deal with NPC pirates.

Remember to:

  • Launch drones only when needed.
  • Recall them before warping away.
  • Don’t leave drones behind.

Replacing forgotten drones soon becomes expensive.

Communication

Good communication makes every fleet run more smoothly.

Useful things to report include:

  • Gankers entering Local.
  • Empty asteroids.
  • NPC pirate spawns.
  • Problems with your ship.
  • Questions you may have.

You don’t need to be an expert to contribute.

Common New Pilot Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

  • Mining someone else’s asteroid.
  • Flying outside Orca boost range.
  • Forgetting drones in space.
  • Mining with a paper-thin tank.
  • Ignoring Fleet Commander instructions.
  • Forgetting to insure expensive ships.
  • Going AFK without telling anyone.

Most mistakes are easy to avoid with a little preparation.

LSE Fleet Expectations

At Last Stand Enterprises, we don’t expect new pilots to know everything.

We do expect every member to:

  • Fly a properly fitted ship.
  • Follow LSE rules.
  • Treat other members with respect.
  • Ask questions if something isn’t clear.
  • Help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

A successful fleet is built on teamwork, not individual performance.

Final Thoughts

Your first mining fleet may seem busy at first, but you’ll quickly settle into the rhythm.

Listen to experienced pilots, follow the fleet rules, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Before long you’ll be helping the next generation of new miners find their feet.

At Last Stand Enterprises, we believe the best fleets aren’t just measured by the amount of ore mined—they’re measured by the pilots who leave knowing more than when they arrived.

Welcome to the fleet, and fly safe!