diff --git a/data/asteroids.json b/data/asteroids.json
index caf83bc..910f6a5 100644
--- a/data/asteroids.json
+++ b/data/asteroids.json
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
   "compassColor": "#c8d2e0",
   "shipClearance": 50,
   "mining": {
-    "_comment": "MINING (v0.4) — the ship's energy arm. armExtendMs = the 'Extending Mining Arm...' reach before the beam fires (the ship is locked while it extends). beam = the arm's line: inMs/outMs = the beam extends (ship→rock) / retracts (rock→ship); glowWidth/midWidth/mainWidth/coreWidth = the white core in its blue glow (px, additive under the core); ghostOffset = the console RGB fringe split off the beam sides. ore = the mineral stream: motes ride the beam rock→ship (speedPxPerSec along the beam), each with a travelling wobble + a tail, absorbed at the hull. impact = the molten bite point: glowScale × rock radius (glowMinPx floor), the hot core, shock rings, and chipping sparks. surge = the big ore packets riding the beam home (the arm brightens while one is in flight). popup = the context menu a rock click opens (world-anchored at the click).",
+    "_comment": "MINING (v0.4) — the ship's energy arm. armExtendMs = the 'Extending Mining Arm...' reach before the beam fires (the ship is locked while it extends). beam = the arm's line: inMs/outMs = the beam extends (ship→rock) / retracts (rock→ship); glowWidth/midWidth/mainWidth/coreWidth = the white core in its blue glow (px, additive under the core); ghostOffset = the console RGB fringe split off the beam sides. ore = the mineral stream: motes ride the beam rock→ship (speedPxPerSec along the beam), each with a travelling wobble + a tail, absorbed at the hull. impact = the molten bite point: glowScale × rock radius (glowMinPx floor), the hot core, shock rings, and chipping sparks. surge = the big ore packets riding the beam home (the arm brightens while one is in flight). popup = the context menu a rock click opens (world-anchored at the click). economy = the rock IS its minerals: its size (width = height, px) at the start of mining is the minerals it holds; ratePerSec = minerals extracted per second (× the ship's stats.miningSpeed multiplier) — each mineral shrinks the rock by 1 px (width AND height; the beam tracks the live rock, so the impact point stays latched as it shrinks) and loads the ship's hold (capped at stats.mineralStorage — a full hold ends the run). splitLostFraction = once the rock has lost this fraction of its ORIGINAL size it breaks: ≤ smallSizeMaxPx it shatters into smallPieces of floor(size × pieceFraction) px each and ALL pieces are sucked into the ship (their minerals land on impact, capped); > smallSizeMaxPx it splits in HALF (floor(size/2) each, both starting fresh with their own original size) and the beam re-latches onto one half to keep mining. suckSpeedPxPerSec / suckStaggerMs = the shattered pieces' ride home. Every break plays sfx mining_split.",
     "armExtendMs": 1500,
     "beam": {
       "inMs": 420,
@@ -59,6 +59,15 @@
       "gap": 8,
       "headerHeight": 20,
       "lift": 14
+    },
+    "economy": {
+      "ratePerSec": 1,
+      "splitLostFraction": 0.33,
+      "smallSizeMaxPx": 64,
+      "smallPieces": 4,
+      "pieceFraction": 0.25,
+      "suckSpeedPxPerSec": 460,
+      "suckStaggerMs": 70
     }
   },
   "cluster": {
diff --git a/data/sfx.json b/data/sfx.json
index b6bb8b9..26bc217 100644
--- a/data/sfx.json
+++ b/data/sfx.json
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 {
-  "_comment": "Sound effects. enabled = master switch (also skips the load). volume is 0..1. construct = text typing in (the dossier, menus decoding in); deconstruct = text UNDECODING (the dossier collapsing) — reserved for the text only, never for closing UI; discovery = a new object coming into view; mining = the mining arm powering up (the 'Extending Mining Arm...' reach); mining_loop = the hum that LOOPS while the mining beam is live (starts when the arm finishes extending, stops when the sequence ends — stopping mining itself plays no sound); scan = the DEEP SCAN pulse going out (the command deck's SCAN button); ui_hover = the tick on HOVER of a clickable item (menu/deck buttons, compass name tags, panel buttons, save slots); ui_click = the tick on CLICK of a clickable item (the SCAN slot plays its own sonar ping instead of ui_click); ui_window = the whoosh when a window OPENS (the mining pop-up, the comms/landing panel); ui_close = the tick when a UI element is CANCELLED/CLOSED (the menu sub-bar, the save vault, the confirm dialog). Convention: the key here IS the play name — playSfx('<key>') plays the asset queued as 'sfx_<key>'.",
+  "_comment": "Sound effects. enabled = master switch (also skips the load). volume is 0..1. construct = text typing in (the dossier, menus decoding in); deconstruct = text UNDECODING (the dossier collapsing) — reserved for the text only, never for closing UI; discovery = a new object coming into view; mining = the mining arm powering up (the 'Extending Mining Arm...' reach); mining_loop = the hum that LOOPS while the mining beam is live (starts when the arm finishes extending, stops when the sequence ends — stopping mining itself plays no sound); scan = the DEEP SCAN pulse going out (the command deck's SCAN button); ui_hover = the tick on HOVER of a clickable item (menu/deck buttons, compass name tags, panel buttons, save slots); ui_click = the tick on CLICK of a clickable item (the SCAN slot plays its own sonar ping instead of ui_click); ui_window = the whoosh when a window OPENS (the mining pop-up, the comms/landing panel); ui_close = the tick when a UI element is CANCELLED/CLOSED (the menu sub-bar, the save vault, the confirm dialog). Convention: the key here IS the play name — playSfx('<key>') plays the asset queued as 'sfx_<key>'. mining_split = the asteroid CRACKING when it breaks (shatters into pieces, or splits in half) — once per break.",
   "enabled": true,
   "volume": 1,
   "construct": "assets/fx/type-construct.mp3",
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
   "discovery": "assets/fx/discovery.mp3",
   "mining": "assets/fx/system-scan.mp3",
   "mining_loop": "assets/fx/mining-01.mp3",
+  "mining_split": "assets/fx/mining-02.mp3",
   "scan": "assets/fx/scan-01.mp3",
   "ui_hover": "assets/fx/ui-hover.mp3",
   "ui_click": "assets/fx/ui-click.mp3",
diff --git a/data/ship.json b/data/ship.json
index cb7de2e..ef56a06 100644
--- a/data/ship.json
+++ b/data/ship.json
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
   "arriveRadius": 8,
   "arriveSpeed": 50,
   "stats": {
-    "_comment": "Base stats — the ship's starting condition, before any upgrades (builds/research layer deltas on top). hullIntegrity = the hull's max health (damage it can take); shields = damage absorbed in front of the hull; cargoHold = goods capacity; mineralStorage = minerals capacity; miningSpeed = multiplier on mining rate (1 = baseline). Exposed as ship.stats (js/entities/Ship.js); combat/trading/mining systems will read these as capacities.",
+    "_comment": "Base stats — the ship's starting condition, before any upgrades (builds/research layer deltas on top). hullIntegrity = the hull's max health (damage it can take); shields = damage absorbed in front of the hull; cargoHold = goods capacity; mineralStorage = minerals capacity (the hold's max load — the player's current minerals live in ship.minerals, loaded by the mining sequence); miningSpeed = multiplier on mining rate (1 = baseline). Exposed as ship.stats (js/entities/Ship.js); combat/trading/mining systems will read these as capacities.",
     "hullIntegrity": 100,
     "shields": 0,
     "cargoHold": 100,
diff --git a/dev/mining.test.mjs b/dev/mining.test.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60953e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/mining.test.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+// Headless test for the mining ore logic (js/mining/Mining.js):
+//   extraction (1 px/sec of rock → 1 mineral, capped at the hold),
+//   the break threshold (1/3 of the ORIGINAL size lost),
+//   halving (> 64 px) and shattering (≤ 64 px, pieces sucked to the hull),
+//   the full-hold stop.
+// Run: node --import ./dev/phaser-loader.mjs dev/mining.test.mjs
+import { readdirSync, readFileSync } from 'node:fs';
+import assert from 'node:assert/strict';
+
+const { config } = await import('../js/config/Config.js');
+const data = {};
+for (const f of readdirSync(new URL('../data', import.meta.url))) {
+  if (f.endsWith('.json')) data[f.slice(0, -5)] = JSON.parse(readFileSync(new URL(`../data/${f}`, import.meta.url), 'utf8'));
+}
+config.init(data);
+
+const { GameObject } = await import('./phaser-stub.mjs').then((m) => ({ GameObject: m.default.GameObjects.Container }));
+const { Ship } = await import('../js/entities/Ship.js');
+const { AsteroidCluster } = await import('../js/entities/AsteroidCluster.js');
+const { Mining } = await import('../js/mining/Mining.js');
+
+function makeImage(x, y, key) {
+  const g = new GameObject(null, x, y);
+  g.key = key;
+  return g;
+}
+
+function makeScene() {
+  return {
+    time: { now: 0, delayedCall: () => ({ destroy() {} }) },
+    add: {
+      existing: (o) => o,
+      image: (x, y, key, frame) => makeImage(x, y, key),
+      graphics: () => ({ clear() {}, destroy() {} }),
+      circle: (x, y, r, fill, fa) => makeImage(x, y, 'circle'),
+      text: (x, y, s, st) => makeImage(x, y, 'text'),
+    },
+    make: { graphics: () => ({ clear() {}, destroy() {} }) },
+    tweens: {
+      add: (o) => {
+        if (o && typeof o.onComplete === 'function') o.onComplete();
+        return { destroy() {} };
+      },
+      killTweensOf: () => {},
+    },
+    textures: { exists: () => true },
+    physics: {
+      add: {
+        existing: (o) => {
+          o.body = {
+            x: 0, y: 0,
+            velocity: { x: 0, y: 0, set() {}, length: () => 0, scale() {} },
+            acceleration: { set() {}, x: 0, y: 0 },
+          };
+          return o;
+        },
+      },
+    },
+    ship: null,
+  };
+}
+
+function fakeBeam() {
+  return {
+    state: 'steady',
+    outRunning: false,
+    finished: false,
+    update() {},
+    beginOut() { this.state = 'out'; this.outRunning = true; },
+    destroy() { this.destroyed = true; },
+  };
+}
+
+/** A cluster with ONE rock of `size` px at (1000, 0), ship parked at (300, 0). */
+function rig(size) {
+  const scene = makeScene();
+  const ship = new Ship(scene, 300, 0);
+  scene.ship = ship;
+  const cluster = new AsteroidCluster(scene, {
+    id: `c-${size}`,
+    name: 'Test Field',
+    x: 1000,
+    y: 0,
+    bound: size / 2 + 10,
+    tint: null,
+    groupSpin: 0.1,
+    groupPhase: 0,
+    debrisPhase: 0,
+    debrisSpin: 0,
+    debris: [],
+    asteroids: [{ frame: 2, x: 0, y: 0, size, spin: 0.05, phase: 0.3 }],
+  }, {});
+  const member = cluster.members[0];
+  const events = [];
+  const phases = [];
+  const mining = new Mining(scene, {
+    onPhase: (p) => {
+      phases.push(p);
+      if (p === 'stopped') ship.setState('normal', 'mining-ended'); // the scene's share
+    },
+    onEvent: (n, d) => events.push([n, d]),
+  });
+  ship.onStateChange = (next, prev) => {
+    if (prev === 'mining' && next !== 'mining') mining.stop();
+  };
+  const pump = (secs) => {
+    // Steps at the 64 ms extraction cap so scene time and ore time agree
+    // (Mining caps delta at 64 ms — a backgrounded-tab fast-forward guard).
+    const steps = Math.ceil((secs * 1000) / 64);
+    for (let i = 0; i < steps; i++) {
+      scene.time.now += 64;
+      mining.update(scene.time.now, 64);
+    }
+  };
+  const start = () => {
+    mining.begin(cluster, member);
+    ship.setState('mining', 'mining'); // the scene's 'extending' share
+    mining.state = 'mining'; // fast-forward the arm reach
+    mining.beam = fakeBeam();
+  };
+  return { scene, ship, cluster, member, events, phases, mining, pump, start };
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Scenario A — the 128 px rock: mines to 85, halves to 42, mines to 28,
+// shatters into 4 × 7 px pieces that ride home (43 + 14 + 28 = 85 minerals).
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+{
+  const r = rig(128);
+  r.start();
+  assert.equal(r.mining.rock.original, 128);
+  assert.equal(r.mining.rock.size, 128);
+
+  r.pump(43); // 43 s → 43 px off → 85 left (the 1/3-lost threshold for 128)
+  assert.equal(r.member.radius * 2, 42, 'latched rock halved to 42');
+  assert.equal(r.cluster.members.length, 2, 'sibling rock added');
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 43, 'minerals mined before the halving');
+  assert.deepEqual(r.events.at(-1), ['split', { kind: 'divide', pieces: 2, pieceSize: 42, sibling: r.cluster.members[1] }]);
+  assert.equal(r.mining.rock.original, 42, 'fresh ledger: original reset');
+  assert.equal(r.mining.beam.destroyed ?? false, false, 'beam survives the halving (still latched)');
+  assert.equal(r.mining.state, 'mining');
+
+  const memberImg = r.member.img;
+  const beam = r.mining.beam;
+  r.pump(14); // 14 s → 14 px off → 28 left (the 1/3-lost threshold for 42)
+  assert.equal(r.cluster.members.length, 1, 'mined rock consumed at the shatter');
+  assert.equal(memberImg.destroyed, true, 'the rock image is gone');
+  assert.equal(beam.destroyed, true, 'beam cut — its rock is gone');
+  assert.equal(r.mining.state, 'idle');
+  assert.equal(r.ship.state, 'normal', 'the ship is free again');
+  assert.deepEqual(r.events.at(-1), ['split', { kind: 'absorb', pieces: 4, pieceSize: 7 }]);
+
+  r.pump(3); // the four 7 px pieces (~700 px out) ride the 460 px/s beam home
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 43 + 14 + 28, 'shattered pieces landed as minerals (capped hold)');
+  assert.deepEqual(r.events.at(-1), ['absorbed', { gained: 28, pieces: 4 }]);
+  assert.equal(r.events.filter(([n]) => n === 'split').length, 2, 'one crack per break (halving + shatter)');
+  console.log('A: 128 px rock — halve → shatter → suck in: OK');
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Scenario B — the 64 px rock: below the small threshold at its break point
+// (42 ≤ 64) → straight to the shatter: 22 mined + 4 × 10 px = 62 minerals.
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+{
+  const r = rig(64);
+  r.start();
+  r.pump(22); // 22 s → 42 left → shatters (42 ≤ 64)
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 22);
+  assert.deepEqual(r.events.at(-1), ['split', { kind: 'absorb', pieces: 4, pieceSize: 10 }]);
+  assert.equal(r.mining.state, 'idle');
+  r.pump(3);
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 22 + 40, '4 × 10 px pieces landed');
+  assert.deepEqual(r.events.at(-1), ['absorbed', { gained: 40, pieces: 4 }]);
+  assert.equal(r.events.filter(([n]) => n === 'split').length, 1, 'one crack for the shatter');
+  console.log('B: 64 px rock — direct shatter: OK');
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Scenario C — full hold: mining stops (the rock is not ground into waste),
+// the hold stays at capacity, the rock is untouched.
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+{
+  const r = rig(64);
+  r.ship.minerals = r.ship.stats.mineralStorage; // full hold
+  r.start();
+  r.pump(2);
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, r.ship.stats.mineralStorage, 'hold capped');
+  assert.equal(r.member.radius * 2, 64, 'rock untouched — nothing could be loaded');
+  assert.equal(r.mining.state, 'retracting', 'the run ended (beam retracts)');
+  assert.equal(r.events.at(-1)[0], 'storageFull', 'the scene is told the hold is full');
+  console.log('C: full hold — run ends, rock preserved: OK');
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Scenario D — the hold's load/restore API (the save/load seam):
+// setMinerals clamps to the capacity, addMinerals never overfills.
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+{
+  const r = rig(64);
+  const cap = r.ship.stats.mineralStorage;
+  r.ship.setMinerals(37);
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 37);
+  r.ship.setMinerals(99999); // an overfull record can't break the hold
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, cap, 'clamped to the capacity');
+  r.ship.setMinerals(-5); // a corrupt record can't go negative
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, 0, 'clamped at zero');
+  r.ship.setMinerals(cap - 10);
+  assert.equal(r.ship.addMinerals(50), 10, 'addMinerals still only fills the room left');
+  assert.equal(r.ship.minerals, cap);
+  console.log('D: hold restore API — clamped at both ends: OK');
+}
+
+console.log('\nAll mining ore scenarios passed.');
diff --git a/dev/phaser-loader.mjs b/dev/phaser-loader.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..20f6fed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/phaser-loader.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+// Resolves the vendored Phaser shim to a headless stub for node tests.
+import { registerHooks } from 'node:module';
+
+registerHooks({
+  resolve(specifier, context, nextResolve) {
+    const r = nextResolve(specifier, context);
+    if (r.url.includes('/vendor/phaser.js')) {
+      return { ...r, url: new URL('./phaser-stub.mjs', import.meta.url).href, shortCircuit: true };
+    }
+    return r;
+  },
+});
diff --git a/dev/phaser-stub.mjs b/dev/phaser-stub.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..43a2ed0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/phaser-stub.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+// Headless harness: stubs Phaser just enough to load the real game modules
+// (Mining, AsteroidCluster, Ship, Config, Color) and exercise the ore logic.
+class GameObject {
+  constructor(scene, x = 0, y = 0) {
+    this.scene = scene;
+    this.x = x;
+    this.y = y;
+    this.rotation = 0;
+    this.alpha = 1;
+    this.scale = 1;
+    this.active = true;
+    this.children = [];
+  }
+  add(obj) { this.children.push(obj); return this; }
+  remove(obj) { this.children = this.children.filter((c) => c !== obj); return this; }
+  setDepth() { return this; }
+  setAlpha(a) { this.alpha = a; return this; }
+  setScale(v) { this.scale = v; return this; }
+  setTint(t) { this.tint = t; return this; }
+  setBlendMode() { return this; }
+  setPosition(x, y) { this.x = x; this.y = y; return this; }
+  setStrokeStyle() { return this; }
+  destroy() { this.active = false; this.destroyed = true; }
+}
+const Container = class extends GameObject {};
+const Sprite = class extends GameObject {
+  constructor(scene, x, y, key, frame) { super(scene, x, y); this.key = key; this.frame = frame; this.body = null; }
+};
+
+function hexToRgbInt(v) {
+  const m = String(v).trim().match(/^#?([0-9a-f]{6})$/i);
+  return m ? parseInt(m[1], 16) : 0xffffff;
+}
+
+export default {
+  GameObjects: { Container, Sprite },
+  Physics: { Arcade: { Sprite } },
+  Display: { Color: { ValueToColor: (v) => ({ color: hexToRgbInt(v) }) } },
+  Math: {
+    Clamp: (v, a, b) => Math.min(b, Math.max(a, v)),
+    Linear: (a, b, t) => a + (b - a) * t,
+    Angle: {
+      Wrap: (a) => a,
+      RotateTo: (c, w, s) => (Math.abs(w - c) <= s ? w : c + Math.sign(w - c) * s),
+    },
+  },
+  BlendModes: { ADD: 'ADD' },
+};
diff --git a/dev/saves.test.mjs b/dev/saves.test.mjs
index 03a5516..70f649e 100644
--- a/dev/saves.test.mjs
+++ b/dev/saves.test.mjs
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ const fakeScene = () => ({
   registry: { map: new Map(), set(k, v) { this.map.set(k, v); }, get(k) { return this.map.get(k); } },
   galaxy,
   systemRecord: { name: system.name },
-  ship: { x: 123.5, y: -77, rotation: 0.72 },
+  ship: { x: 123.5, y: -77, rotation: 0.72, minerals: 37 },
   discovery: new Discovery(540),
   tetherField: {
     tethers: [
@@ -175,6 +175,7 @@ const makeStorage = (fail = false) => {
   check('capture: seed carried', rec.seed === SEED);
   check('capture: system identity carried', rec.currentSystemId === system.id && rec.systemName === system.name);
   check('capture: ship carried', rec.ship.x === 123.5 && rec.ship.y === -77 && rec.ship.heading === 0.72);
+  check('capture: the hold is carried (ship.minerals)', rec.ship.minerals === 37);
   check('capture: discovery carried', (rec.discovery.bySystem[system.id] ?? []).includes('pl:0'));
   check('capture: tethers carried (both)', rec.tethers.length === 2 && rec.tethers[1].label === 'Outpost');
   check('capture: playtime carried', rec.playTimeMs === 123456);
@@ -193,6 +194,14 @@ const makeStorage = (fail = false) => {
     reg.get('discovery').isDiscovered(system.id, 'pl:999999') === false);
   check('prepare: the live state is staged under the pending key',
     staged !== null && staged.ship.x === 123.5 && staged.playTimeMs === 123456);
+  check('prepare: the hold rides along with the ship state', staged.ship.minerals === 37);
+
+  // A LEGACY record (pre-minerals) still loads — no field, the restore
+  // side's `typeof === 'number'` guard keeps the ship at 0.
+  const regLegacy = { map: new Map(), set(k, v) { this.map.set(k, v); }, get(k) { return this.map.get(k); } };
+  prepareLoad(regLegacy, makeRec()); // makeRec's ship has no minerals
+  check('prepare: a legacy record (no minerals) still loads, field absent',
+    regLegacy.get(PENDING_RESTORE_KEY).ship.minerals === undefined);
 
   // consumeRestore: exactly once.
   const first = consumeRestore(reg);
diff --git a/js/entities/AsteroidCluster.js b/js/entities/AsteroidCluster.js
index 8c0eb75..10caae6 100644
--- a/js/entities/AsteroidCluster.js
+++ b/js/entities/AsteroidCluster.js
@@ -72,6 +72,11 @@ export class AsteroidCluster extends Phaser.GameObjects.Container {
     this.debrisPhase = record.debrisPhase ?? 0;
     this.debrisSpin = record.debrisSpin ?? -this.groupSpin * 0.5; // rad/s, signed
 
+    // Reused by runtime rock surgery (splits add rocks of a new size —
+    // the mining sequence, js/mining/Mining.js).
+    this.frameSize = Math.max(1, config.get('asteroids.frameWidth', 128));
+    this.tint = record.tint;
+
     // --- Starlight halo (soft, behind the group) -------------------------
     const haloCfg = config.get('asteroids.cluster.halo', {});
     if (haloCfg.enabled !== false) {
@@ -84,15 +89,9 @@ export class AsteroidCluster extends Phaser.GameObjects.Container {
     }
 
     // --- The loose group: a container that drifts, holding each rock ----
-    const frameSize = Math.max(1, config.get('asteroids.frameWidth', 128));
-    const tint = record.tint;
     this.groupBody = new Phaser.GameObjects.Container(scene, 0, 0);
     for (const m of this.members) {
-      const img = scene.add.image(m.lx, m.ly, AsteroidCluster.TEXTURE_KEY, m.frame);
-      img.setScale((m.radius * 2) / frameSize); // 128 px rock at 1.0, 64 px at 0.5
-      if (tint) img.setTint(tint);
-      m.img = img;
-      this.groupBody.add(img);
+      this.groupBody.add(this._rockImage(m));
     }
     this.add(this.groupBody);
 
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ export class AsteroidCluster extends Phaser.GameObjects.Container {
    */
   update(time) {
     const t = time / 1000;
-    const rot = this.groupPhase + this.groupSpin * t;
+    const rot = this.groupRotation(time);
     this.groupBody.rotation = rot;
     const cos = Math.cos(rot);
     const sin = Math.sin(rot);
@@ -135,6 +134,73 @@ export class AsteroidCluster extends Phaser.GameObjects.Container {
     }
   }
 
+  /** The group's drift rotation at `time` (rad) — update() uses this. */
+  groupRotation(time) {
+    return this.groupPhase + this.groupSpin * (time / 1000);
+  }
+
+  /** A WORLD-space delta as LOCAL group coords (the current drift undone). */
+  worldToLocalDelta(dx, dy, time) {
+    const rot = this.groupRotation(time);
+    const c = Math.cos(-rot);
+    const s = Math.sin(-rot);
+    return { x: dx * c - dy * s, y: dx * s + dy * c };
+  }
+
+  // ------------------------------------------------------------------
+  // Runtime rock surgery (the mining sequence splits and consumes rocks)
+  // ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+  /**
+   * Rescale a rock in place: `sizePx` = its width = height (diameter px).
+   * The radius drives collision + the beam's impact point (both read the
+   * live member), the image scale drives the render — so everything stays
+   * locked to the rock as it shrinks.
+   */
+  setSize(m, sizePx) {
+    m.radius = Math.max(1, sizePx) / 2;
+    if (m.img) m.img.setScale((m.radius * 2) / this.frameSize);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Add a rock to the group (a split piece): same sheet frame, LOCAL px
+   * (group drift applies to it like every other member), its own slow
+   * spin. Returns the member record (the beam/scene read it live).
+   */
+  addRock(frame, lx, ly, sizePx, spin = 0, phase = 0) {
+    const m = {
+      frame,
+      lx,
+      ly,
+      radius: Math.max(1, sizePx) / 2,
+      spin,
+      phase,
+      img: null,
+      wx: this.x,
+      wy: this.y,
+    };
+    this.groupBody.add(this._rockImage(m));
+    this.members.push(m);
+    return m;
+  }
+
+  /** Remove a rock (mined out): splice it from the members, kill its image. */
+  removeMember(m) {
+    const i = this.members.indexOf(m);
+    if (i !== -1) this.members.splice(i, 1);
+    m.img?.destroy();
+    m.img = null;
+  }
+
+  /** The render image for a member record (constructor + addRock share it). */
+  _rockImage(m) {
+    const img = this.scene.add.image(m.lx, m.ly, AsteroidCluster.TEXTURE_KEY, m.frame);
+    img.setScale((m.radius * 2) / this.frameSize); // 128 px rock at 1.0, 64 px at 0.5
+    if (this.tint) img.setTint(this.tint);
+    m.img = img;
+    return img;
+  }
+
   /**
    * Keep a ship out of every rock: the same keep-out circle rule as a
    * planet (ship may reach `clearance` edge-to-edge, never closer),
diff --git a/js/entities/Ship.js b/js/entities/Ship.js
index 5c72ec1..c7eda36 100644
--- a/js/entities/Ship.js
+++ b/js/entities/Ship.js
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ import { toColor } from '../utils/Color.js';
  *  - cargoHold      → goods capacity
  *  - mineralStorage → minerals capacity
  *  - miningSpeed    → multiplier on mining rate (1 = baseline)
+ *
+ * The hold (this.minerals / storageRoom / addMinerals): the minerals
+ * hauled aboard — the mining beam loads it, capped at stats.mineralStorage.
  */
 export class Ship extends Phaser.Physics.Arcade.Sprite {
   static TEXTURE_KEY = '__ship';
@@ -104,6 +107,11 @@ export class Ship extends Phaser.Physics.Arcade.Sprite {
       miningSpeed: config.get('ship.stats.miningSpeed', 1),
     };
 
+    // The hold: minerals aboard right now (0 … stats.mineralStorage).
+    // The mining sequence (js/mining/Mining.js) loads it as the beam
+    // strips the rock; the cap is the base stat above.
+    this.minerals = 0;
+
     // World size = size × scale. Sheet frames are frameWidth px wide; the
     // dart is drawn at `size` px — the sprite scale maps either one onto
     // the same world size, so both look identical.
@@ -153,6 +161,31 @@ export class Ship extends Phaser.Physics.Arcade.Sprite {
     return true;
   }
 
+  /** Room left in the hold (0 when full). */
+  storageRoom() {
+    return Math.max(0, this.stats.mineralStorage - this.minerals);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load up to `n` minerals into the hold (capped at
+   * stats.mineralStorage). Returns the amount actually added — callers
+   * see the excess as wasted when the hold was full.
+   */
+  addMinerals(n) {
+    const take = Math.min(Math.max(0, Math.floor(n)), this.storageRoom());
+    if (take > 0) this.minerals += take;
+    return take;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Set the hold directly (the SAVE/LOAD path — js/save/SaveData.js →
+   * captureState writes it, GameScene.applyRestore restores it). Clamped
+   * to [0, stats.mineralStorage] — a record can never overfill the hold.
+   */
+  setMinerals(n) {
+    this.minerals = Math.max(0, Math.min(this.stats.mineralStorage, Math.round(Number(n) || 0)));
+  }
+
   /** Set the destination to fly to (world coordinates). */
   setTarget(x, y) {
     this.target = { x, y };
diff --git a/js/mining/Mining.js b/js/mining/Mining.js
index 0117741..47dfd3d 100644
--- a/js/mining/Mining.js
+++ b/js/mining/Mining.js
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { config } from '../config/Config.js';
 import { MiningBeam } from './MiningBeam.js';
+import { AsteroidCluster } from '../entities/AsteroidCluster.js';
 
 /**
  * The ship's mining state — the machine behind the beam. The SHIP'S
@@ -24,25 +25,69 @@ import { MiningBeam } from './MiningBeam.js';
  *   retracting the beam is pulling back rock → ship; the ship is already
  *              BACK TO 'normal' (FREE) — the player can fly as it dies.
  *
- * This class owns only the sequence + the beam's lifecycle. Scene
- * concerns (ship stop, toasts, sfx) ride the onPhase seam — the same
- * pattern as TetherField's onChange.
+ * THE ORE (data/asteroids.json → mining.economy): the rock IS its
+ * minerals — its size (width = height, px) at the START of mining is the
+ * minerals it holds (recorded in this.rock). While the beam is steady:
+ *   - each second extracts `ratePerSec × ship.stats.miningSpeed` minerals:
+ *     the rock SHRINKS by that many px (width and height — the beam reads
+ *     the live member, so the impact point stays latched to the rim) and
+ *     the same amount lands in the ship's hold (ship.addMinerals, capped
+ *     at stats.mineralStorage — a full hold ends the run);
+ *   - once the rock has lost ≥ splitLostFraction of its ORIGINAL size it
+ *     BREAKS (sfx 'mining_split', the mining-02 crack):
+ *       ≤ smallSizeMaxPx  → it shatters into `smallPieces` of
+ *                           floor(size × pieceFraction) px each and ALL
+ *                           the pieces are sucked into the ship (their
+ *                           minerals land on impact, capped);
+ *       > smallSizeMaxPx  → it splits in HALF (floor(size/2) each): the
+ *                           latched rock becomes one half (fresh
+ *                           original size — it starts its own ledger) and
+ *                           a sibling rock appears beside it; the beam
+ *                           stays on the latched half and keeps mining.
+ *
+ * This class owns only the sequence + the beam's lifecycle + the ore.
+ * Scene concerns (ship stop, toasts, sfx) ride the onPhase / onEvent
+ * seams — the same pattern as TetherField's onChange.
  */
 export class Mining {
   /**
    * @param {Phaser.Scene} scene
    * @param {object} [o]
    * @param {Function} [o.onPhase] — (phase) => void, phase ∈ 'extending' | 'mining' | 'stopped'
+   * @param {Function} [o.onEvent] — (name, data) => void:
+   *   'split'       { kind: 'absorb' | 'divide', pieces, pieceSize }
+   *   'absorbed'    { gained, pieces } — the shattered pieces hit the hull
+   *   'storageFull' — the hold is full; the run ended
    */
   constructor(scene, o = {}) {
     this.scene = scene;
     this.onPhase = typeof o.onPhase === 'function' ? o.onPhase : null;
+    this.onEvent = typeof o.onEvent === 'function' ? o.onEvent : null;
     this.state = 'idle'; // 'idle' | 'extending' | 'mining' | 'retracting'
     this.cluster = null;
     this.member = null;
     this.beam = null;
     this.stateT0 = 0;
     this.armExtendMs = config.get('asteroids.mining.armExtendMs', 1500);
+
+    // The ore ledger (see the class note): the rock's size at the start
+    // of mining IS its minerals; 'original' fixes the break threshold.
+    this.rock = null; // { original, size }
+    this.oreAcc = 0; // fractional minerals extracted (< 1)
+    this.suck = []; // fragments in flight to the hull (outlive the beam)
+    this.batchSeq = 0; // one per shatter — 'absorbed' fires when a batch is DONE
+    this.batchState = {}; // batch → { landed, pieces, total } (per-batch totals)
+
+    // Tuning (data/asteroids.json → mining.economy).
+    const eco = config.section('asteroids.mining.economy', {});
+    this.mineralsPerSec = eco.ratePerSec ?? 1;
+    this.splitLostFraction = eco.splitLostFraction ?? 0.33; // ~1/3 of the original
+    this.smallSizeMaxPx = eco.smallSizeMaxPx ?? 64;
+    this.smallPieces = Math.max(1, Math.floor(eco.smallPieces ?? 4));
+    this.pieceFraction = eco.pieceFraction ?? 0.25;
+    this.suckSpeed = eco.suckSpeedPxPerSec ?? 460; // px/s, fragments → hull
+    this.suckStaggerMs = eco.suckStaggerMs ?? 70;
+    this.rockFrameSize = Math.max(1, config.get('asteroids.frameWidth', 128));
   }
 
   /** The arm's sequence is live: mid-extension OR beam live. */
@@ -63,6 +108,11 @@ export class Mining {
     }
     this.cluster = cluster;
     this.member = member;
+    // Fresh ledger for this rock: its size (width = height, px) NOW is
+    // the minerals it holds. 'original' anchors the break threshold —
+    // the rock breaks once it has lost ~1/3 of THIS size.
+    this.rock = { original: member.radius * 2, size: member.radius * 2 };
+    this.oreAcc = 0;
     this.state = 'extending';
     this.stateT0 = this.scene.time.now;
     this._phase('extending');
@@ -88,7 +138,8 @@ export class Mining {
   /**
    * Per-frame (GameScene.update, after the clusters have refreshed their
    * rock positions — the beam tracks them). Drives the extending →
-   * mining hand-off and reaps a finished retract.
+   * mining hand-off, reaps a finished retract, extracts ore while the
+   * beam is steady, and flies any fragments home.
    */
   update(time, delta) {
     // The ship's state is the gate: the sequence (and its visuals) run
@@ -120,8 +171,234 @@ export class Mining {
         }
       }
     }
+    // The beam is latched and steady: ore comes off the rock (shrink it,
+    // load the hold, break it when it has lost ~1/3 of its original).
+    if (
+      this.state === 'mining' &&
+      this.beam &&
+      this.beam.state === 'steady' &&
+      this.rock &&
+      this.rock.size > 0
+    ) {
+      this._extract(delta);
+    }
+    // Fragments in flight (they outlive the beam — the player is free
+    // to move the ship while they ride home).
+    if (this.suck.length > 0) this._suck(time, delta);
   }
 
+  // ------------------------------------------------------------------
+  // The ore — extraction, breaks, fragments
+  // ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+  /**
+   * One tick of extraction (beam steady only). Minerals per second =
+   * ratePerSec × the ship's stats.miningSpeed; each mineral shrinks the
+   * rock by 1 px and lands in the hold. A full hold ends the run — the
+   * rock is not worth grinding into waste.
+   */
+  _extract(delta) {
+    const dt = Math.min(delta, 64) / 1000;
+    const rate = this.mineralsPerSec * (this.scene.ship?.stats?.miningSpeed ?? 1);
+    if (rate <= 0) return;
+    this.oreAcc += rate * dt;
+    const n = Math.floor(this.oreAcc + 1e-9); // epsilon: float sums can land just under an integer
+    if (n <= 0) return;
+    this.oreAcc -= n;
+
+    const ship = this.scene.ship;
+    const room = ship.storageRoom();
+    const take = Math.min(n, room);
+    if (take > 0) {
+      this.rock.size -= take; // the rock shrinks (width = height, px)
+      ship.addMinerals(take);
+    }
+    if (room < n) {
+      // The hold is full: mining would only grind the rock away.
+      this._event('storageFull');
+      this.stop(); // the rock is still there — the beam retracts properly
+      return;
+    }
+    this._maybeBreak();
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * The rock has lost ≥ splitLostFraction of its ORIGINAL size → it
+   * breaks. Small (≤ smallSizeMaxPx): shatters into pieces that are
+   * sucked into the ship. Bigger: splits in half and the beam keeps
+   * mining one of the halves (fresh ledger).
+   */
+  _maybeBreak() {
+    if (!this.rock) return;
+    const { original, size } = this.rock;
+    if (size > Math.floor(original * (1 - this.splitLostFraction))) return;
+    if (!this.cluster || !this.member) return;
+    if (size <= this.smallSizeMaxPx) {
+      this._shatter(this.cluster, this.member, size);
+    } else {
+      this._halve(this.cluster, this.member, size);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * The small break: the rock shatters into `smallPieces` of
+   * floor(size × pieceFraction) px each, and ALL of them are sucked
+   * into the ship — their minerals (each piece carries its size) land
+   * on impact (capped at the hold). The beam is cut (its rock is gone)
+   * and the sequence ends; the fragments fly on their own.
+   */
+  _shatter(cluster, member, size) {
+    const s = this.scene;
+    const pieceSize = Math.max(1, Math.floor(size * this.pieceFraction));
+    const now = s.time.now;
+    const tint = cluster.tint ?? 0xffffff;
+    const batch = ++this.batchSeq;
+    this.batchState[batch] = { landed: 0, pieces: 0, total: this.smallPieces };
+    for (let i = 0; i < this.smallPieces; i++) {
+      const a = (i / this.smallPieces) * Math.PI * 2 + Math.PI / 4;
+      const r = Math.max(10, size * 0.55); // just outside the old rim
+      const img = s.add
+        .image(member.wx + Math.cos(a) * r, member.wy + Math.sin(a) * r, AsteroidCluster.TEXTURE_KEY, member.frame)
+        .setDepth(9);
+      if (tint) img.setTint(tint);
+      img.setScale(pieceSize / this.rockFrameSize);
+      this.suck.push({
+        img,
+        size: pieceSize, // the minerals this piece carries
+        born: now + i * this.suckStaggerMs, // staggered release
+        side: i % 2 === 0 ? 1 : -1, // a little curl, alternating sides
+        batch,
+      });
+    }
+    cluster.removeMember(member);
+    this._event('split', { kind: 'absorb', pieces: this.smallPieces, pieceSize });
+    // The rock is gone — the beam can't retract from nothing: cut it and
+    // end the run ('stopped' frees the ship; the fragments finish alone).
+    if (this.beam) {
+      this.beam.destroy();
+      this.beam = null;
+    }
+    this.state = 'idle';
+    this.cluster = null;
+    this.member = null;
+    this.rock = null;
+    this.oreAcc = 0;
+    this._phase('stopped');
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * The big break: the rock splits in HALF — two rocks of floor(size/2),
+   * each starting FRESH (its own original size = half, so its break
+   * threshold is 1/3 of that). The latched rock becomes one of the halves
+   * IN PLACE (the beam stays latched — no jump, mining continues on it);
+   * the sibling appears beside it, offset perpendicular to the beam so
+   * the two read as two rocks.
+   */
+  _halve(cluster, member, size) {
+    const s = this.scene;
+    const half = Math.max(1, Math.floor(size / 2));
+    // Offset the sibling perpendicular to the beam (the beam itself is
+    // never blocked), far enough that the two don't interpenetrate.
+    const ship = s.ship;
+    const dx = member.wx - ship.x;
+    const dy = member.wy - ship.y;
+    const d = Math.hypot(dx, dy) || 1;
+    const px = -dy / d;
+    const py = dx / d;
+    const gap = half * 0.55 + 8;
+    const local = cluster.worldToLocalDelta(px * gap, py * gap, s.time.now);
+    const sibling = cluster.addRock(
+      member.frame,
+      member.lx + local.x,
+      member.ly + local.y,
+      half,
+      member.spin, // the piece tumbles like its parent
+      Math.random() * Math.PI * 2,
+    );
+    cluster.setSize(member, half); // the latched rock becomes one half
+    // Fresh ledgers: both halves start at their own original size.
+    this.rock = { original: half, size: half };
+    this.oreAcc = 0;
+    this._event('split', { kind: 'divide', pieces: 2, pieceSize: half, sibling });
+    // The beam keeps mining `member` — it is still the same member, now
+    // one of the two halves (its radius changed live; the beam tracks it).
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Fragments riding the beam home to the hull. They TRACK the ship
+   * (the player is free while they fly), curl a little, shrink and dim
+   * as they near, and land on impact — their minerals load the hold
+   * (capped). A batch (one shatter) fires ONE 'absorbed' event when its
+   * LAST piece lands, so the scene gets one toast per shatter, not four.
+   */
+  _suck(time, delta) {
+    const dt = Math.min(delta, 64) / 1000;
+    const s = this.scene;
+    const ship = s.ship;
+    const landed = [];
+    for (const p of this.suck) {
+      if (time < p.born) continue; // staggered release
+      const dx = ship.x - p.img.x;
+      const dy = ship.y - p.img.y;
+      const d = Math.hypot(dx, dy) || 1;
+      const step = this.suckSpeed * dt;
+      if (d <= step + 12) {
+        p.img.destroy();
+        landed.push(p);
+        continue;
+      }
+      // A little curl (perpendicular sway, decaying) as it rides in.
+      const age = time - p.born;
+      const amp = 18 * Math.exp(-age / 700);
+      const wob = Math.sin(age * 0.011) * amp * p.side;
+      p.img.x += (dx / d) * step + (-dy / d) * wob * dt * 4;
+      p.img.y += (dy / d) * step + (dx / d) * wob * dt * 4;
+      // Shrink + dim as it nears the hull (absorbed by the ship).
+      const near = Math.max(0.22, Math.min(1, d / 180));
+      p.img.setScale((p.size / this.rockFrameSize) * near).setAlpha(Math.max(0.35, Math.min(1, d / 260)));
+    }
+    if (landed.length === 0) return;
+    this.suck = this.suck.filter((p) => !landed.includes(p));
+    // Each piece carries its size in minerals (capped at the hold); the
+    // batch's running total lands in its 'absorbed' event when done.
+    const finished = [];
+    for (const p of landed) {
+      const st = this.batchState[p.batch];
+      if (!st) {
+        ship.addMinerals(p.size); // no batch (defensive) — still load them
+        continue;
+      }
+      st.landed += ship.addMinerals(p.size);
+      st.pieces += 1;
+      if (st.pieces >= st.total) {
+        finished.push({ gained: st.landed, pieces: st.pieces });
+        delete this.batchState[p.batch];
+      }
+    }
+    this._hullRing();
+    if (finished.length === 1) this._event('absorbed', finished[0]);
+    else if (finished.length > 1) this._event('absorbed', { gained: finished.reduce((a, b) => a + b.gained, 0), pieces: finished.reduce((a, b) => a + b.pieces, 0) });
+  }
+
+  /** The hull flash when a fragment lands (a quick ring at the ship). */
+  _hullRing() {
+    const s = this.scene;
+    const ring = s.add
+      .circle(s.ship.x, s.ship.y, 12, 0xffffff, 0)
+      .setStrokeStyle(2, 0xbfefff, 0.85)
+      .setDepth(12);
+    s.tweens.add({
+      targets: ring,
+      scale: 2.4,
+      alpha: 0,
+      duration: 420,
+      ease: 'Sine.easeOut',
+      onComplete: () => ring.destroy(),
+    });
+  }
+
+  // ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
   _phase(phase) {
     try {
       this.onPhase?.(phase);
@@ -130,12 +407,26 @@ export class Mining {
     }
   }
 
+  _event(name, data) {
+    try {
+      this.onEvent?.(name, data);
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error('[mining] onEvent handler failed', err);
+    }
+  }
+
   destroy() {
     this.beam?.destroy();
     this.beam = null;
+    for (const p of this.suck) p.img?.destroy();
+    this.suck.length = 0;
+    this.batchState = {};
     this.state = 'idle';
     this.cluster = null;
     this.member = null;
+    this.rock = null;
+    this.oreAcc = 0;
     this.onPhase = null;
+    this.onEvent = null;
   }
 }
diff --git a/js/save/SaveData.js b/js/save/SaveData.js
index bc83006..33598c4 100644
--- a/js/save/SaveData.js
+++ b/js/save/SaveData.js
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  *
  *   { app, format, savedAt,
  *     seed, galaxyName, currentSystemId, systemName,
- *     ship: { x, y, heading },
+ *     ship: { x, y, heading, minerals },
  *     discovery: Discovery.toJSON(),
  *     reputation: Reputation.toJSON(),
  *     tethers: [{ id, x, y, level, label }],
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@ export function captureState(scene) {
       x: Number(scene.ship.x),
       y: Number(scene.ship.y),
       heading: Number(scene.ship.rotation),
+      // The hold (minerals aboard) — saves that predate it just lack the
+      // field; the restore treats a missing number as 0.
+      minerals: Math.max(0, Math.round(Number(scene.ship.minerals) || 0)),
     },
     discovery: scene.discovery ? scene.discovery.toJSON() : { distance: 540, bySystem: {} },
     reputation: scene.reputation ? scene.reputation.toJSON() : new Reputation().toJSON(),
diff --git a/js/scenes/GameScene.js b/js/scenes/GameScene.js
index 1344661..6ab3466 100644
--- a/js/scenes/GameScene.js
+++ b/js/scenes/GameScene.js
@@ -122,6 +122,7 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
       this.load.audio('sfx_discovery', config.get('sfx.discovery', 'assets/fx/discovery.mp3'));
       this.load.audio('sfx_mining', config.get('sfx.mining', 'assets/fx/system-scan.mp3'));
       this.load.audio('sfx_mining_loop', config.get('sfx.mining_loop', 'assets/fx/mining-01.mp3'));
+      this.load.audio('sfx_mining_split', config.get('sfx.mining_split', 'assets/fx/mining-02.mp3'));
       this.load.audio('sfx_scan', config.get('sfx.scan', 'assets/fx/scan-01.mp3'));
       this.load.audio('sfx_ui_hover', config.get('sfx.ui_hover', 'assets/fx/ui-hover.mp3'));
       this.load.audio('sfx_ui_click', config.get('sfx.ui_click', 'assets/fx/ui-click.mp3'));
@@ -394,6 +395,7 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     // clicked.
     this.mining = new Mining(this, {
       onPhase: (p) => this.onMiningPhase(p),
+      onEvent: (name, data) => this.onMiningEvent(name, data),
     });
     this.miningPopup = new MiningPopup(this, {
       onAction: (id, rock) => this.miningAction(id, rock),
@@ -1425,6 +1427,33 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Mining events (Mining → onEvent): the ore's scene share — the crack
+   * sfx (the new mining-02.mp3, once per break) and the console calls.
+   *   'split'       the rock broke (data: kind 'absorb' = shattered into
+   *                 pieces that fly to the ship, 'divide' = split in half)
+   *   'absorbed'    the shattered pieces hit the hull (data.gained minerals)
+   *   'storageFull' the hold is full — the run ended (mining stops so the
+   *                 rock isn't ground away for nothing)
+   */
+  onMiningEvent(name, data = {}) {
+    const neon = toCss(themeColor('neon', 0x00e5ff));
+    const magenta = toCss(themeColor('neon2', 0xff2d6f));
+    if (name === 'split') {
+      this.playSfx('mining_split'); // the crack — assets/fx/mining-02.mp3, once per break
+      this.consoleToast(
+        data.kind === 'absorb'
+          ? `SHATTERED — ${data.pieces} × ${data.pieceSize} px PIECES`
+          : `SPLIT — ${data.pieces} × ${data.pieceSize} px ROCKS`,
+        { glyph: '\u25c6', glyphColor: neon },
+      );
+    } else if (name === 'absorbed') {
+      this.consoleToast(`+${data.gained} MINERALS ABOARD`, { glyph: '\u2295', glyphColor: neon });
+    } else if (name === 'storageFull') {
+      this.consoleToast('MINERAL STORAGE FULL', { glyph: '!', glyphColor: magenta });
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * The mining hum (data/sfx.json → mining_loop, assets/fx/mining-01.mp3):
    * a loop that starts when the beam goes live (phase 'mining') and
@@ -1751,15 +1780,19 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
 
   /**
    * Apply a staged restore (js/save/SaveData.js → prepareLoad parked it):
-   * the ship back where it was, the saved tether field (the level-1 home
-   * tether is just a saved entry — the field is rebuilt from the record),
-   * and the saved session time. Discovery + galaxy are already restored
-   * in the registry (this scene's create() read them).
+   * the ship back where it was — and with its hold full or empty as saved
+   * (ship.minerals) — the saved tether field (the level-1 home tether is
+   * just a saved entry — the field is rebuilt from the record), and the
+   * saved session time. Discovery + galaxy are already restored in the
+   * registry (this scene's create() read them).
    */
   applyRestore(r) {
     if (r.ship) {
       this.ship.setPosition(Number(r.ship.x) || 0, Number(r.ship.y) || 0);
       if (typeof r.ship.heading === 'number') this.ship.rotation = r.ship.heading;
+      // The hold — saves that predate minerals have no field (stay at 0);
+      // setMinerals clamps to the ship's capacity.
+      if (typeof r.ship.minerals === 'number') this.ship.setMinerals(r.ship.minerals);
     }
     if (Array.isArray(r.tethers) && r.tethers.length > 0) {
       for (const t of [...this.tetherField.tethers]) this.tetherField.remove(t.id);