My players started with a PC kobold gunslinger. They befriended the Sootscale clan and offered to teach them how to mine and refine the silver. One of the political deals they made with the Restov political factions involved that training and refinement. Also Mik-Mek ended up being part of the "trusted NPCs" helping to build the kingdom infrastructure. The city that they are building at the old Staglord's fort is going to have part of the city below ground to accommodate the kobolds and other subterranean citizens.
