To unlock the zone, you need to complete a certain number of contracts. There is 1 contract (nickel, diamonds, oil, red oak) per Trade Company location. Each contract consists of separate tasks you need to complete before the timer runs out. Once you're done with all the tasks, the contract is completed and counted towards the goal. When you meet the requirements, the zone will open.
Please note that Blueprints are not the same as contracts. Completing a single contract may grant you several Blueprints, but only the number of completed contracts matters when unlocking a new zone at your home station.
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