When the Catalyst Expansion launches on November 18, it will bring one of the most significant mining overhauls EVE Online has seen in years. Whether you’re a high-sec solo miner or part of an industrial fleet in null-sec, these updates will affect how you extract, refine, and compete for resources.
A New Ore: Prismaticite
The headline addition is Prismaticite, a new and unpredictable ore type that appears within volatile asteroid fields created by “hyperspace fractures.”
To access these sites, players will need to deploy phase anchors—a new deployable structure that stabilizes fractured space for a limited time, allowing miners to harvest before the field collapses. These events are time-sensitive and highly competitive, adding new tension to the mining landscape.
When refined, Prismaticite produces a random mix of minerals, introducing an element of variability to industrial output. However, players can influence results through reaction-based refining processes, adding strategic depth to resource management.
Faster and More Engaging Mining Cycles
Mining is becoming more responsive. CCP is introducing shorter mining cycles, keeping total yield roughly the same but making the process more dynamic.
A new “critical hit” mechanic adds a layer of excitement: mining lasers will occasionally deliver high-yield extractions. Skills and modules can improve the chance of landing these critical strikes, rewarding investment in specialized mining setups and creating more moment-to-moment engagement.
Improved Interface and Scanning Tools
The mining user interface is receiving a full redesign. Players can expect faster asteroid scanners, color-coded readouts, and better integration between scanning data and the visual space environment.
This upgrade makes it easier to identify high-value targets and maintain situational awareness during mining operations. The overall goal is to make mining more intuitive and visually clear without sacrificing depth.
High-Sec Mining Revitalized
High-security space mining is also receiving attention. The expansion reintroduces classic ores such as Omber and Kernite through new high-sec anomaly sites, broadening resource diversity for miners who prefer safer systems.
Additionally, some valuable ore deposits will now be linked to hidden combat sites discoverable through scan probes. This connection between mining and exploration brings new risk-reward opportunities—and new chances for player interaction.
New Ships for Mining and Exploration
The Pioneer, a new mining destroyer, fills the gap between the mining frigate and the barge. It is designed to be accessible for Alpha clones while offering scalability and utility for Omega players. This makes it a versatile option for early-career miners and small-scale industrialists.
The expansion also introduces the Odysseus, a new exploration command ship aimed at supporting resource operations and deep-space missions. Together, these ships expand both ends of the industrial and exploratory experience.
Why It Matters
- Prismaticite introduces a new, competitive resource type.
- Critical hits and shorter cycles make mining more active and skill-based.
- Interface improvements simplify decision-making and visibility.
- High-sec anomalies restore classic ores and diversify opportunities.
- New ships lower the entry barrier for new miners while expanding fleet potential.
- Reaction-based refining adds a deeper strategic layer to industry.
The Catalyst Expansion doesn’t just add new content—it modernizes the mining experience. Faster cycles, richer visuals, and unpredictable ore mechanics create a more dynamic and competitive industrial environment.
For both newcomers and veterans, these changes make mining in EVE Online more engaging, more strategic, and more closely tied to the broader player-driven economy.
