In early 827, plans for mining on the planetary surface were drawn up alongside limited cooperation with DSE. While the company focused on establishing a foothold in Bering, the project would continue in preliminary stages for nearly a year. In 828, Bristol Construction would begin construction of the shuttle port on Cleveland Station, directing materials and personnel to the base camp.

With initial construction of Camp Lakewood being provided for by pre-fabricated structured from DSE, Bristol would land several partial station modules at Camp Lakewood for the permanent settlement. Partially sinking these into the ground, with freighter-grade reactors providing heating and power, the basic installation slowly grew into a small mining colony. Basic amenities are provided for, though personnel are often rotated out due to the limited nature of the base causing a small number of psychological incidents. Surveys of new mining sites continue to occur, with a number of Planetform probes being utilized for assessing the feasibility of these.

Due to a number of geologic issues in developing a full survey of Planet Hallam, as well as the terrain restrictions which has limited the speed of development by Bristol, the creation of a full mining colony on the planet has slowed greatly. The company’s inexperience in such planetary developments has also hamstrung efforts, with DSE being unwilling to provide full support and Planetform consultation becoming increasingly expensive.