How does hqm quarry work

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: HQM Quarry is a modded block in Minecraft's Feed The Beast modpacks that automates mining operations using RF power. It requires 1000 RF/t to operate at maximum speed and can mine a 64x64 area down to bedrock level. The quarry places landmarks to define its mining area and outputs mined blocks through BuildCraft pipes. It was introduced in BuildCraft 2.0 in 2011 and remains popular in technical Minecraft modpacks.

Key Facts

Requires 1000 RF/t (Redstone Flux per tick) for maximum operation speed
Mines a default 64x64 block area down to bedrock (Y=0 to Y=256)
Introduced in BuildCraft 2.0 in 2011
Uses 4 landmarks to define mining boundaries
Outputs through BuildCraft transport pipes to connected inventories

Overview

The HQM Quarry is a specialized mining machine from the BuildCraft mod for Minecraft, prominently featured in Feed The Beast (FTB) and other technical modpacks. First introduced in BuildCraft 2.0 in 2011, it revolutionized automated resource gathering in modded Minecraft by allowing players to mine large areas automatically. The quarry operates using RF (Redstone Flux) power, typically generated by modded machines like steam engines or solar panels. Unlike vanilla Minecraft mining, which requires manual labor, the quarry systematically excavates blocks within a defined area, making it essential for large-scale projects in modpacks like FTB Infinity (2015) and FTB Revelation (2017). Its integration with other tech mods through standardized power systems and item transport has made it a cornerstone of automated mining setups for over a decade.

How It Works

The HQM Quarry operates by first requiring players to place four landmarks to define a rectangular mining area, up to 64x64 blocks in size. Once powered with at least 1000 RF/t, it begins mining from the top layer down to bedrock (Y=0), breaking blocks in a grid pattern. It uses a mining head that moves across the area, collecting blocks and sending them through BuildCraft transport pipes to connected inventories like chests or storage systems. The quarry consumes RF energy continuously during operation, with speed proportional to power input; insufficient power slows mining. It can handle most block types but may require upgrades or additional mods for special blocks like obsidian. The process is fully automated, allowing players to focus on other tasks while resources accumulate.

Why It Matters

The HQM Quarry significantly impacts modded Minecraft by enabling efficient, large-scale resource gathering, which is crucial for complex builds and machinery in tech-focused modpacks. It reduces grind and time investment, allowing players to automate tedious mining tasks and focus on creative or technical projects. In modpacks like FTB, it integrates with other systems for processing and storage, supporting advanced gameplay loops. Its design influences other mods and remains a benchmark for automation tools, demonstrating how modding can extend Minecraft's possibilities. By providing a reliable source of materials, it facilitates experimentation and progression in community-driven modpack ecosystems.