Facing the mountains, Victor immediately had Number 1 assign the Calculation Module another task: formulate a preliminary ore extraction plan. He wanted the mine to begin production as soon as possible and stockpile building materials for next spring.
However, after a detailed survey, he discovered that there were no rivers with sufficient water for navigation within dozens of kilometers of this open-pit limestone mine. In other words, if they wanted to transport it to the north bank of Wood Fort Town, they could only use horse-drawn carts. The cost would be far too high, leaving Victor somewhat hesitant.
At that moment, Number 1 reminded him, "Victor, according to the Calculation Module's preliminary calculations, this mine can be excavated in advance. Once it snows in winter, the terrain here will be much higher than the dock on the north bank of Wood Fort Town. We can use sleds for transport. They will be faster and more economical than regular carts, though mining will be somewhat more difficult in winter."
"Horse-drawn sleds. That's already a very good solution. In that case, there's no need for the Horseshoe Tribe to pay money or trade livestock for supplies. They can trade directly with ore from here."
Victor sent for Jell and Luda and plainly stated his requirements. From now on, the Horseshoe Tribe would be responsible for mining this limestone deposit and delivering it to the ferry crossing on the north bank of Wood Fort Town. One silver coin per ton of ore, which they could use to purchase the supplies they needed. Victor would send people to teach them how to mine it, while transport would be handled by the Horseshoe Tribe themselves. He did not care about the process; he only wanted limestone ore.
Jell and Luda had never expected that these