For the 'What it's Worth' problem.....
Exit the Oasis area to another part of the world map, return to the Forbidden Oasis and select the Oasis camp to spawn at, when you appear check your local map. You should see another '!' point south east of your location....that will be the miner.
Many thanks to Eshellon on the Gamefaqs.com boards for posting the solution to spawning the miner.
