Just a quick question regarding LIN's. Do they need to be assigned to a mining faction for them to work properly? Or doesn't it matter?

I don't think so. They may need to be assigned to the mine operator, though.

They need to be assigned to who ever is starting your mines but hat is it. They will assign the droid exactly how they assign the dirt haulers. (Exact same rules apply).

Ok, that's great. Thank you both. :)