The BMM and it's affiliate companies right to mine in the Tau systems is governed by the Tau Pact:
Tau Pact Wrote:Clause 4: The Crown of Bretonia cedes full ownership rights to the IMG of all presently undiscovered resources in Tau and Orkney (excluding additional resources discovered in existing fields currently mined by BMM), providing that BMM is granted permission to mine such IMG resources in exhange for a monthly fee to the IMG, not exceeding 10 million credits per month. In addition, there shall be full official recognition of IMG claims of ownership over all resources in fields currently mined by the IMG. No Agents of the Bretonian Crown shall in any way impede access to IMG resources by members of the IMG, and shall act to defend IMG access to their resources from those who would impede said access.
In short, if a BMM or affiliate company wishes to mine in the Tau systems (with the exception of their pre-established operation near the Tau 23 gate site, which focuses on Beryllium), they will have to pay a fee for the privilege. However, given our own stance towards them, and the presence of Kusari and Outcasts, there have not been many of them Tauside.
To my knowledge however, this BMM affiliate company has not procured mining rights, and therefor should not be mining Niobium. Your choice not to engage with your own mining vessel makes sense - but if these guys are seen again, let either the IMG defense or Colonial Republic forces know, and we'll handle it. Preferably without shots fired.
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
