Since mining scrap now requires lubricant, the game tells me I can't even build mining drills on scrap patches until I research Uranium Mining. Should arrival on Fulgora work as an alternate unlock condition for being able to use fluids in mining drills? Or should Uranium Mining tech be required to reach Fulgora in the first place?

Sorry about that. I did not encounter this during testing because it did not cross my mind to try to reach fulgora without Uranium. I will see if I can patch it to automatically give you the ability.

It is now fixed in v0.69.8. The Fulgoran recycling technology now additionally (re)unlocks the ability to mine with fluids, and the electric drill tech is now mandatory to visit Fulgora. Enjoy.