M'tutchi Mineral Mite

M'tutchi is an arrid world with little to offer explorers; its desolate surface is void of any exeptional geographical features and is void of any signs of life, most likely to do radiation and hostile sandstorms. But that is only the surface; while above ground M'tutchi appears to be little more than a grey brown planet of sand and stone its real treasure lies within its core. Untapped by any colonists until now M'tutchi is one of the greatest mineral bearing planet discovered by mining fleets. The planets endless expanse of tunnels contain vital elementals needed in all sorts of industry across the region and intensive mining has begun. Shielded by the thick layers of rock above miners need little protective from radiation and wind. But it isnt the wind they need to be wary of...
While initial mining operations were successful, more recent attempts have met with failure. Initial explorations of the planet, below and above ground, revealed little flora and no native fauna, xenobiologists believed the planet was either too hostile for life or too early in its developement to be of interest. When recent mining operations opened up a huge cavern riddled with mineral deposits, miners and xenobiologists alike realized that the planet did indeed contain life. And that was all they realized before they were quickly executed by their latest discovery.
Roughly the size of a large dog, M'tutchi Mineral Mites are formidable animals, adapted to a brutal climate. Although they resemble insects, they do not operate in a typical hive-like social enviroment but instead seem to operate in roving packs, much like wolves. The mites seem to be intensely territorial of their mineral deposits, and after examination of a deceased mineral mite, the colonists learned why. Newborn mites, which hatch from the corpses of eldery mites, are unarmored, blind and seriously weak. To compensate, they possess a strong acid with which they use to digest to local mineral compounds in their territory. This mineral "soup" is then lapped up by the young mites which is then utilized the body to produce the metallic, stony carapace that forms around the body of the older mites. This thick surface no only helps protect the mites (from each other as much as the armed colonists) but is believed to be a means of communication. Being extremely sensitive to light the metallic surface of their plates helps them locate one another and various movements of their plates are believed to represent various messages. Agressive adults also rattle their plates as an intimidation tactic, a frightening noise that echoes through the mining tunnels. Their jaws and claws are sheethed in this mineral layer as well making them extremely sharp and durable, easily slicing through the armor of colonists.
Despite the pressence of swarming packs of these agressive mites, the mining companies exhibit no concern for their miners and demmand that operations proceed as usual, albeit the miners are fortunate enough to be protected by moderatly armed coperate mercenaries. Even though the creatures are extremely hostile miners have taken a keep interest in them, particularly for their mineral hide plates. These plates are speculated to become highly valuable on the black market both due to the highly refined nature of the plates and the "honor" of obtaining such a trophy off of such a ferocious beast (apparently the buyers consider it an honor to have someone else risk their life for them in order to get a hold on such a trophy). There are even rumors that a particular band of colonial miners managed to capture several young mites on a mining rig and are willing to sell them to off world buyers. A local xenobiology lab has been showing interest in the purchase, particularly to examine how to mites react to ingesting foreign minerals.