Hint: Less time for CPU:
If you are the only one with food units, do not sell to the CPU players. They will have less time on the world map. 

Hint: Smithore:
Invest in Smithore (mining). The prices for Smithore do not vary much and, if there are no players investing in it, the price will go up. The price never drops below 43 dollars per unit.

Hint: Placing M.U.L.E.s:
Place "Food" M.U.L.E.s on the river, "Energy" M.U.L.E.s in plains, and "Smithore" M.U.L.E.s in the mountains. Crystite deposits are found randomly, and there are no precise or easy ways to point out plots for them.