Ceruleum in its processed form is a bit like oil yes. It is a distilled form of pure concentrated aether in liquid volatile form.Â
It can be harvested from the earth but it can also be processed from aether crystals. So, the mine concept stands in my opinion.
Also, and that's going into the realm of speculation here, but I actually believe that Magitek equipment for the Garlean Empire is far from being ubiquitous, and quite costly. The Garleans seem mostly concerned by handing out Magitek to their own, and usually as can be seen with the rest of their conscript forces for example, they let them use basic equipment since those 'races' have, after all, access to magic, unlike them. There are a lot of discrepancies in terms of technology shown by various corps and legions, and we don't even know how it is in their own society (I bet, again, full of Magitek for true garlics, and a lot less for conquered races, that are after all, mostly left to govern their own lands).
That's not to say that the automated mines/harvesters is not possible (quite the contrary), but I think a case can also be made for 'slaves' or at least 'conscripted workers' in the garlean fold, working in mines. Especially as a form of punishment for insidious elements.
It can be harvested from the earth but it can also be processed from aether crystals. So, the mine concept stands in my opinion.
Also, and that's going into the realm of speculation here, but I actually believe that Magitek equipment for the Garlean Empire is far from being ubiquitous, and quite costly. The Garleans seem mostly concerned by handing out Magitek to their own, and usually as can be seen with the rest of their conscript forces for example, they let them use basic equipment since those 'races' have, after all, access to magic, unlike them. There are a lot of discrepancies in terms of technology shown by various corps and legions, and we don't even know how it is in their own society (I bet, again, full of Magitek for true garlics, and a lot less for conquered races, that are after all, mostly left to govern their own lands).
That's not to say that the automated mines/harvesters is not possible (quite the contrary), but I think a case can also be made for 'slaves' or at least 'conscripted workers' in the garlean fold, working in mines. Especially as a form of punishment for insidious elements.
Balmung:Â Suen Shyu
