Say there!
In modern day life several rare isotopes are used in things........ So why not have them in Op3.(Errrr that didn't come out right, don't know how it can.)
Simpily said, common and rare ore are to general in reality since deposits of specific materials are found scattered around an area, now granted the mine drills under-ground but, some isotopes are very rare and wouldn't be found with their standard counter-parts. Isotopic ore could be developed to open a new branch of technologies, upgrades, and also nonessential structures and vehicles. This would prevent it from being a hastle to people who are just trying to survive but it would also allow for new things that a developed colony may want just to improve it's status. In simplest terms it would be a branch of resources that allow for better improvements. Sort of like...... You could win with railgun lynx's but a panther works much better. Errrr perhaps I should have done a poll instead of this to get more direct results....
You can live without it, but you can live even better with it!
P.S. Hydrogen 12................