I've come across this problem several times while attempting to pirate vessels in Tau-23.
I've noticed in the Beryllium mining area used by Gallic ships, that the NPC mining vessels are indeed dockable. Has this always been the case?
What this creates is a very simple run & hide spot for any miners in the area. Too simple and too easy, in my opinion. They can literally hug the npc and mine all they want, and when a pirate shows up on radar, F3 and safe.
I know we don't want it to be too difficult for miners to escape possible piracy...but that's just making it a bit too easy. Especially considering there are 3 safe havens within 40k of the spot, and are easy to get to if the miner is paying attention.
Not sure if the NPC miners are dockable elsewhere, but this certainly seems like a problem (unless you're a Gallic miner....then...very easy).