The Imperial Mining Institute functioned as a research organization within the structure of the Galactic Empire. When the Empire made its presence known on Lothal, a planet situated in the Outer Rim, Ria Clarr, an analyst employed by the institute, conducted various geological investigations. These investigations revealed a substantial deposit of ore located beneath the farms belonging to Lothal's inhabitants. She successfully persuaded Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin that mining operations would generate significant revenue; nevertheless, this decision led to the displacement of the farmers, who were subsequently relocated to Lothal re-settlement camp 43.