Science Fiction. Ore is mined on distant planet and sent to Earth, cargo ships automatically return from Earth. Male protagonist tries to escape to Earth on cargo ship. American author. Published in 1990s or earlier.

[Sergey]

"Hello everyone,

I'm searching for a science fiction book written in the 90s or earlier by an American author. I used to read a lot of Robert Sheckley, Harry Harrison, and Clifford Simak during that time, so the author might be one of them or someone with a similar style. The book isn’t very long. It unfolds on a distant planet where some kind of ore is mined and sent to Earth. Regular cargo ships arrive automatically from Earth to collect the ore.

The protagonist of the story decides to escape to Earth on one of these ships. He manages to get onboard the ship using various tricks and sets off, expecting to arrive at a highly developed planet. However, upon arrival, he finds a primitive, agricultural Earth with very simple-minded people who do not understand the origin or purpose of the goods being sent from distant planets.

Could this description remind you of any specific book or books with a similar plot? Titles that sound like 'Return to Earth' or something similar would be particularly relevant. I appreciate any leads you can provide. Thank you!"

[Kris]

Sergey, what was his job on the mining planet?
Was he born on Earth and sent to the planet because of a crime committed?

How far into the book does he arrive on the primitive, agricultural planet?

I copied book details to the topic header. Feel free to edit it.

[Kris]

Just to confirm, it's not a short story? For example: Escape to Earth by Ivan Howard (editor).

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Sergey, are you looking for this book or is someone else? Because you are using quotes, I wonder who is looking.