The Federal Government of the United Republic of Orion authorized the Stellar Cartography & Licensing Authority (SCLA) to open bidding for initial mining licenses across the Nereid Sector.

Officials emphasized that the process would be “transparent and lawful.” Licensing covers the confirmed system of Charybdis.

OrionEX and Cynosure are expected to dominate, though smaller firms warn they will be excluded. “The Republic cannot afford inefficiency in Nereid,” said one Senate subcommittee member. “This must go to proven partners.”

Public reaction is divided: colonists see jobs and opportunity, while critics fear another round of unchecked corporate monopolization, larger than anything seen in Perseus.