Artus Prime, a terrestrial planet, was situated within the Artus system located in the Kwymar sector of the Outer Rim Territories. Its primary function was as a mining colony, renowned for its yield of Artusian crystals, which had applications in the fabrication of lightsabers.
Despite the importance of mining to its economy, Artus Prime wasn't a major center in the Kwymar sector. The population was relatively small, and its landscape consisted largely of canyons and poisonous rivers, while the planet's fauna was dominated by scavenging and hazardous mine crabs.
The colony's administrator regularly submitted reports to the New Republic. The final report described the discovery of a substantial Artusian crystal deposit. Shortly after, in 12 ABY, the Empire Reborn movement seized the Mining Facility as part of Desann's, a fallen Jedi, scheme to raise an army of Force sensitive soldiers.
The New Republic Senate became concerned due to the communication blackout, as the administrator was required to provide updates on collection and processing activities; the Senator of Bilbringi requested that a communications team be dispatched to the colony. The supply ship sent for this purpose vanished in the Outer Rim, apparently intercepted by the Reborn Empire, and never returned.
New Republic Intelligence agent Kyle Katarn was dispatched to investigate, uncovering Desann's plan; subsequently, during the Battle of Artus Prime, Katarn assisted a New Republic battle group in retaking the facility and liberating the planet.
As the battle neared its end, Kyle encountered Desann, who had taken his partner Jan Ors captive. Desann easily overpowered Kyle and deceived him into believing Jan had been killed. This event motivated Kyle to journey back to the Valley of the Jedi to reconnect with the Force and seek vengeance.