Ores are a resouce which can be mined from asteroids by using mining lasers, and Logistics Drones to collect the Ore. They currently serve three purposes, selling to traders, completion of contracts, and smelting to ingots

Precious Ore

Previous ore can be mined outside of contracts at any time from asteroids, and can be smelted into precious metal

Tillium Ore

Tillium ore only appears during contracts to extract it, however, it can continue to be mined beyond the delivery amount.

It's noted in game that tillium ore is refined into Fuel.