mining badges could give a small bonus to miners mining the type of ore they have a badge in, according to the level of their badge in that ore.

On the one hand, it makes sense in an experientia docet sort of way. On the other hand, VO eschews giving such ground up, per se advantages.

Probably the experience of knowing what 'roids to mine, with which beam, and for how long is the best "bonus" to give those lose...uh, mining specialists.