From my experience the catalyst mini-game for miner(probably BOT/FSH too) works like this:

Fingertips of the gods procs

On next gather, if a catalyst is available at your current node the +-5 slider will pulse with a pink/purple outline.

Pick a spot on the slider.
If the slider stops pulsing there is no catalyst at that setting.
If the slider keeps pulsing there is a catalyst at that setting.

When you move into the actual gathering phase the entire meter will be pulsing with the same outline if a catalyst is present.

Successfully gather while the meter is pulsing and you will obtain the catalyst.


Out of around 20 nodes at Nophica's Wells (70/30 MIN/BOT) I only had the ability proc once for me.