I'm thinking a caravan would be heavily guarded, and include two to four pack bulls filled with ore and iron plates, building materials, as well as produce from the farms. (Maybe there could be a small chance that more valuable commodities might be included, such as an expensive shipment of liquor or a Masterwork helmet intended for someone high up.) On top of the pack bulls, there would be a contingent of paladins and servants, as well as a trader. Instead of the squad of paladins and servants, maybe an inquisitor patrol might be more appropriate?
Otherwise I have to actually try fairly hard to end up working their mines, and I think I'm putting enough effort in when I'm in Blister Hill's jail!