Mining - Can't set ship to mine

[Ratez]

I have a Fedhelm mining ship however it wouldn't mine when I set it to do so.

Just want to make sure I have everything needed.

I have: Scoop collector and surface miner URVs.

Does it need a mining laser? Because I didn't see it as one of the options.

Thanks

[thokitti]

I got a Fedhelm too, with 30 surface miners mk2. (No cargo drones or anything else) Works like a charm..
Can use it in three ways.

1. (Automatic mining) Move to zone with resources. Call captain. (New orders, Mine this area, select resoruce)
2. (Manual mining) Move with the ship in your squad to zone with resources. Activate Mining scanner on the skunk. Break down stones with ur mining laser and tag the tiny stones when they got blue circles around them. The mining ship will send drones to pick them up.
3. (Automatic station mining)
Assign the mining ship to a station/manager, that needs resources the ship can mine, and the manager will send it out on it self.

Number 3 is bugged sometimes.

[Ratez]

Hey thanks for the answer.

Apparently the mining ships are programmed to fly around randomly until it comes into contact with asteroid rather than seeking it out.

Found that information here:
http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=352073

EDIT: I downloaded the mod and can confirm my ship now mines. Thank god.