The unique Space Distortion Field of Alpha Matter, in addition to its beneficial properties, also makes harvesting Alpha Matter highly dangerous. In its raw form, Alpha Ore subjected to improper conditions can create unpredictable and unstable spacetime distortions capable of shearing entire planets apart. Known space is replete with the debris of worlds obliterated when unfavourable conditions caused natural Alpha Ore deposits to become unstable. As such, stable worlds containing deposits of Alpha are a rare and essential natural resource, with numerous interspecies factions dedicated to charting and brokering such worlds.

Once refined into a stable form, Alpha is safe for general use. However, mining of Alpha Matter is a hazardous proposition, with many worlds having been lost in efforts to harness their native Alpha deposits. Additionally, transportation and refinement of mined Alpha can only be done with highly specialized equipment and is still not without risk of catastrophic failure.

These unique dangers eventually led to legislation barring the establishment of colonies on world containing known Alpha deposits, requiring that all Alpha operations be conducted via unmanned facilities. This has lead to the rapidly expanding influence of the Structs Conglomerate within galactic society. Not recognized as sentient beings by the Alpha Star Council, these intelligent self-replicating machines became uniquely suited to conducting Alpha operations on behalf of their interstellar neighbours. Structs quickly became essential to the galactic economy,

Today, most refinement of Alpha Matter is done on-site, with Structs intelligences establishing and maintaining sophisticated "unmanned" mining outposts on worlds with detectable Alpha. These Alpha Bases operate the specialized technology necessary to mine and refine the substance for transport back to civilization. As an additional benefit, once all of the raw Alpha on a world has been refined, that world becomes safe for potential terraforming and colonization efforts. Former Alpha Bases on depleted worlds are easily repurposed to serve as colonies or terraforming operations, making such worlds a valuable trade resource even after Alpha mining operations have concluded.