Electromagnetic Activation
When the coils are activated, the magnetic field easily overpowers the asteroid's weak gravity, causing the surface to literally leap upward.
Selective Sorting
This is where the magic of the magnetic rake happens. Because the system uses magnetic fields rather than mechanical suction, it acts as an automatic filter.
Silicates, rocky debris, and unwanted slag are completely ignored by the magnetic field and remain on the ground. Meanwhile, the valuable ferromagnetic grains of nickel, iron, and cobalt leap into the vacuum of space, sticking to the rapidly spinning drums of the rake. This guarantees that the ship only brings high-purity ore on board, wasting no cargo space on dirt.