Originally Posted by
Jurnis
Ironmines are always good to keep in your city at the beginning.
They are nearly as expensive as lumber, and a few ironmines really takes a new player far.
If you start an account with no farms, only one quarry and only one ironmine you are pretty much toast.
Balance first, in favor of splitting up mines and mills, and only demo the farms/quarries when you start farming NPC cities.
If you already have a city, and all the techs and equipment, go only for what costs more. However, if you don't have the army or techs, it is highly recommended that you keep your stuff in place.
Yes, sawmills are great, keep more. But balance it out a little, that way you can grow your army without having to lose every last one of your troops trying to get it.