Quick answer
The Lead Mine unlocks when a ship with a Naval Gun cost becomes available or when you unlock the Medium Gun Tower. Build it on a Lead Ore deposit, supply four Greenhands, and plan for 8 Lead Ore per minute.
Original guide diagram based on the official Lead Mine guidance, showing the unlock trigger, remote camp, and production outcome.
Version and source notesUpdated 2026-08-28 · Within source review window
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
- Works with
- Released PC version after Patch #4 (v1.1.4.242868)
- What this guide covers
- Covers the official unlock condition, current building values, and remote-camp planning
- Version notes
- Unlock conditions, production rates, and construction costs may change after balance patches
- Update status
- Within source review window
Trigger the unlock
- Progress the Compass toward a ship that requires Naval Guns or the Medium Gun Tower.
- Confirm the Lead Mine appears in the build menu.
- Locate a Lead Ore deposit inside or near usable Pirate Camp range.
- Reserve 40 Planks and 20 Stone Blocks.
- Prepare housing and Stew for four Greenhands.
Do not spend Compass points on unrelated Lead Mine boosters expecting them to create the base building. The acquisition trigger comes from the ship or tower requirement.
Build the remote camp before the mine
A distant deposit can require more than the mine itself. Plan the camp, connection, housing, food, drink, storage, and export route before assigning workers.
Original guide diagram based on the official Lead Mine guidance, showing the dedicated setup from unlock trigger to connected storage.
Balance Lead Ore and smelting
One Lead Mine produces 8 Lead Ore per minute and can serve two Lead Smelters at the current rates. Start with one mine and one smelter, confirm transport, then add the second smelter when the ore buffer grows.
Common mistakes
- Looking for a fixed Compass node named only for the base mine.
- Building on a deposit outside practical camp support.
- Forgetting four Greenhands and their Stew upkeep.
- Adding two smelters before the ore route works.
- Hauling basic food and drink through a costly island-wide warehouse chain.
What success looks like
The Lead Mine appears after the ship or tower trigger, four Greenhands work the deposit, Lead Ore reaches storage, and one or two Lead Smelters run without starving the remote camp.
Original guide diagram based on the official Lead Mine guidance, checking staffing, ore output, and local buffer space before added demand.