Initially disregarded as merely "rock and ice" by Sub-Commander T'Pol, upon further analysis it was discovered to contain large quantities of eisillium located under a twenty-meter thick layer of magnesite. Since eisilium was extremely rare, Captain Archer suggested obtaining a sample with the transporter. With the layer located out of transporter range, Lieutenant Reed suggested making use of the portable drilling rig with Ensign Mayweather's assistance.