Quick idea about building mines on the new map..
How about letting people build mines wherever they want, like now? A mine is basically digging into the ground, which can be done about anywhere short of a sand dune.
But, add an Assay skill, which allows people to determine the percentage of ore in the area. Then, when they dig, each space cleared has the possibility of producing stone, ore of some type, or a boulder. Chipping high mineral content boulders has a percentage chance of producing either ore or stone, leading to a gleaning operation, and giving newbies a way to help experienced miners.
What do you guys think?
Also, question for the devs...any thoughts on how to make RL valuable metals like gold, silver, etc, valuable in game terms? Pure stat gain seems like one option...another might be something about item decay. The three main reasons for the value of gold are its beauty, malleability, and its resistance to decay. Well, and its rarity. Any ideas though?