i've had a couple people say the same thing! i may see if i can add a tutorial somewhere, i didn't intend it to be so obtuse.
the resources can be fashioned into parts using the grey slab to the left of the hole on the surface.
then, they can be placed on the big grey area to the right of the hole on the surface.
both actions are done with the 'down' key.
thanks for playing and feedback :>