Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) used to be considered a slow and arduous skill to train. However, recent game updates have significantly streamlined the process, making it much more accessible and even enjoyable. Changes like the introduction of Shooting Stars, Duke Mining, modifications to the Motherlode Mine, and the addition of Calcified Rocks have collectively reduced the grind and made leveling Mining much more efficient.
Guide Contents
- Why Train Mining?
- Essential Mining XP Boosts
- Optimal Pathways to Level 99 Mining
- Low Level Mining Training (Levels 1-30)
- Fastest Mining Methods for OSRS
- AFK Mining Training in OSRS
- Profitable Mining Methods for OSRS GP
- Ironman Mining Training Strategies
- Free-to-Play (F2P) Mining Guide
For those who prefer visual learning, a video guide is available below. Otherwise, continue reading for the comprehensive text-based Osrs Mining Guide.
Why Train Mining?
Why dedicate time to training the Mining skill in OSRS? The answer is multifaceted, as Mining offers significant benefits for various aspects of the game.
One of the most compelling reasons is Mining’s crucial role in high-level Player vs. Environment (PvE) content, particularly in raids.
Mining is a vital skill for successful raiding, specifically in the Chambers of Xeric and the Tombs of Amascut.
In the Tombs of Amascut, achieving at least level 85 Mining is essential to deal substantial damage to certain encounters. Similarly, in the Chambers of Xeric, a higher Mining level directly translates to increased damage output against guardians.
Beyond raiding, Mining is a prerequisite for a wide array of important quests. Lunar Diplomacy, a quest essential for magic training and access to the Lunar Isle, requires level 60 Mining. Song of the Elves, a grandmaster quest unlocking Prifddinas, demands level 70 Mining.
Furthermore, reaching milestones in Mining unlocks prestigious capes. The Quest Cape, a symbol of a well-rounded account, necessitates level 70 Mining, while the Achievement Diary Cape, showcasing extensive game completion, requires level 85 Mining.
Beyond utility and progression, Mining is also a profitable skill.
Depending on the training methods you choose, your journey to level 99 Mining can generate a substantial amount of gold pieces (GP), making it a valuable skill for both progression and wealth accumulation.
Essential Mining XP Boosts
To maximize your Mining training efficiency, understanding and utilizing XP-boosting items and equipment is crucial.
The Celestial Ring, obtainable by trading 2,000 Stardust from Shooting Stars, provides a +4 invisible Mining level boost. This effectively increases your mining speed, making it a valuable asset for faster training.
Charging the Celestial Ring with Stardust grants a 10% chance to mine an extra ore (up to Adamantite), yielding the full XP for both ores. This translates to roughly a 10% XP increase per hour, particularly beneficial for methods like Power Mining Iron.
The Varrock Armour, rewarded from completing the Varrock Achievement Diary, also provides a chance to obtain double ores while mining.
Each tier of Varrock Armour (from 1 to 4) works up to a specific type of ore. When combined with the Celestial Ring, you can achieve up to a 20% XP boost per hour in certain methods, significantly accelerating your journey to level 99.
Reaching level 60 Mining unlocks access to the Mining Guild, a dedicated area for miners.
Inside the Mining Guild, ore rocks regenerate faster than in other locations. Additionally, players within the guild receive an invisible +7 Mining level boost, further enhancing mining efficiency.
While mining within the Mining Guild, you have a chance to find Unidentified Minerals.
These minerals can be traded for three types of Mining Gloves, each offering different benefits. When equipped, Mining Gloves provide a chance to prevent depleting the rock you are mining, particularly useful for slower-respawning rocks like Runite and Amethyst.
Training at the Motherlode Mine yields Golden Nuggets. Accumulating 180 Golden Nuggets allows you to purchase the complete Prospector’s Outfit.
This outfit provides a 2.5% Mining XP boost when the full set is worn. While obtaining the full set can take 10 to 20 hours at the Motherlode Mine, it is a worthwhile investment for long-term Mining training.
Completing the medium Falador Diary and having 50 Agility grants access to a shortcut within the Motherlode Mine.
This shortcut significantly improves efficiency by allowing faster depositing of pay-dirt.
With level 57 Mining and 100 Golden Nuggets, you can access the upper level of the Motherlode Mine.
The upper level provides increased XP per hour and offers a more AFK (Away From Keyboard) training experience compared to the lower level.
Always strive to use and upgrade to the best available Pickaxe. The Dragon Pickaxe is a significant upgrade.
Starting with a Bronze Pickaxe, the base mining cycle is 8 game ticks (4.8 seconds). This reduces to 3 ticks (1.8 seconds) with a Rune Pickaxe. The Dragon Pickaxe introduces a 1 in 6 chance for your mining action to become 2 ticks (1.2 seconds), further increasing efficiency.
The Crystal Pickaxe, requiring completion of the Song of the Elves quest, is the pinnacle for fastest Mining experience. It boasts a 1 in 4 chance of a 2-tick mining action, slightly better than the Dragon Pickaxe, making it ideal for high-level training.
The Dragon, Crystal, and 3rd Age Pickaxes possess a special attack that grants a +3 Mining level boost, temporarily improving your mining speed.
Even if you don’t meet the Mining level requirement for a Dragon Pickaxe, you can still utilize its special attack as long as you have level 60 Attack.
Optimal Pathways to Level 99 Mining
The fastest route to achieving level 99 Mining involves tick manipulation techniques. Following this pathway can get you from level 1 to 99 in approximately 130 hours.
This “tick-manipulation” pathway primarily consists of 3-tick 4-iron mining at lower levels and transitions to 3-tick Granite mining for the majority of the training.
For players who prefer to avoid tick manipulation, the fastest pathway to level 99 Mining takes around 180 to 200 hours.
This pathway typically involves methods like Volcanic Mine, Blast Mine, or defeating Zalcano, which offer high XP rates without requiring intricate tick manipulation.
Popular AFK Mining pathways to level 99 include training at Shooting Stars, the Motherlode Mine, or Calcified Rocks.
For those interested in combining training with profit, Blast Mining, Zalcano, Runite Rocks, and Amethyst are excellent options that provide both experience and gold.
Low Level Mining Training (Levels 1-30)
Let’s delve into effective Mining training methods for the early levels.
Questing (Levels 1-30)
Questing is the most efficient way to rapidly gain Mining levels in the early game.
Every player should prioritize completing Doric’s Quest to swiftly jump from level 1 to level 10 Mining.
This quest requires Iron Ore. Ironman accounts can obtain Iron Ore by killing Dwarves or pickpocketing HAM members.
Next, completing the Plague City quest will boost you to level 18 Mining. This is a relatively short and easy quest to complete.
Finally, undertaking the Dig Site quest will propel you to level 33 Mining.
While the Dig Site quest has some stat requirements, reaching level 33 unlocks efficient Power Mining of Iron Ore.
Several other quests offer Mining experience, but they generally have higher entry requirements.
Copper & Tin Power Mining (Levels 1-15)
For players who prefer traditional training over questing, Power Mining Copper and Tin is a viable method for early levels.
Suitable locations for this method include the Lumbridge Swamp Mine and the mines in southeastern and southwestern Varrock.
Prioritize upgrading to the next available Pickaxe as soon as you meet the level requirement, as this significantly increases mining speed. Purchase all available Pickaxes beforehand to streamline your training.
Reaching level 15 from level 1 by mining Copper and Tin requires approximately 138 ores, taking around 15 minutes. Technically, 3-tick Copper and Tin mining can offer faster XP rates, involving initiating a 3-tick action before mining each rock.
Tick manipulation can potentially double your Mining speed in some cases and is the only method to surpass 100,000 Mining XP per hour in the entire game.
Fastest Mining Methods for OSRS
Now, let’s explore the fastest Mining methods available in OSRS, including Power Mining Iron, Granite, Volcanic Mine, Blast Mine, and Gem Rocks.
Power Mining Iron (Levels 15-70)
Power Mining Iron is the fastest non-tick manipulation method from level 15, when it becomes accessible, all the way to level 70.
XP rates start around 15,000 per hour at level 15 and scale up to over 60,000 per hour with a Dragon Pickaxe.
Varrock Armour is particularly beneficial for Power Mining Iron, providing an effective 10% XP boost.
For optimal training, choose a 3-Iron rock location where you can access three rocks without moving.
Notable 3-rock locations include Al Kharid and the Isle of Souls.
Upon reaching level 60 Mining, it’s highly recommended to transition to the Mining Guild’s 3-rock Iron locations.
The Mining Guild offers faster rock respawn rates and the chance to obtain Unidentified Minerals.
The Power Mining Iron process involves continuously mining and dropping the ores without moving from your spot.
Using RuneLite, you can reposition your inventory closer to the rocks to minimize mouse movement for dropping ores. You can choose to drop ores after each rock or after mining all three rocks in your vicinity.
3-Tick 4-Iron (Levels 15-45)
3-tick 4-Iron mining is the absolute fastest XP method between levels 15 and 45. It involves movement and tick manipulation to achieve very high XP rates.
Instead of the usual 15,000 XP per hour from standard Power Mining at level 15, 3-tick 4-Iron can yield over 30,000 XP per hour. This is because you eliminate downtime waiting for rock respawns.
This method is limited to specific locations with four Iron rocks in close proximity. A recommended location is the Isle of Souls, accessible to all members.
To 3-tick, you need an item that initiates a 3-tick cycle, such as Herb Tar, Teak Logs with a Knife, or Kebbit Vambraces.
Start by performing a 3-tick action, then mine an Iron rock. Immediately upon receiving an ore, initiate another 3-tick cycle and click on a nearby rock. Repeat this process.
Movement is required every 3 game ticks. Even if you don’t successfully mine a rock, move to the next one to maintain the 3-tick cycle.
Setting Iron Ore to “left-click drop” is recommended. Once comfortable, you can drop the ore immediately after starting the 3-tick cycle. When learning 3-tick methods, mistakes may interrupt your ore collection until you restart the cycle correctly.
3-Tick 4-Granite (Levels 45-99)
3-tick 4-Granite mining becomes the fastest method from level 45 to 99. Similar to 3-tick 4-Iron, it requires movement and tick manipulation for maximum XP rates.
Expect up to 85,000 XP per hour at level 45, increasing to 125,000 XP per hour at level 99. The sole location for this method is the Quarry in the Kharidian Desert, featuring four closely positioned Granite rocks.
Bring Waterskins, a Circlet of Water, or the Desert Amulet 4 to mitigate desert heat effects. The 3-tick items remain the same: Herb and Tar, Teak Logs and Knife, or Kebbit Claws and Vambraces.
3-tick 4-Granite can be challenging initially, but with practice, you can consistently achieve over 100,000 XP per hour starting from level 65.
Begin by performing a 3-tick cycle action, then click to mine a Granite rock. Upon receiving the XP drop, start another 3-tick action and click the next rock, moving in a clockwise rotation. Continuous movement every 3 ticks is crucial, even without an XP drop. Utilize “left-click drop” on Granite for efficient ore disposal during mining.
Volcanic Mine (Levels 50-99)
The Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island is a rapid, non-tick manipulation Mining method.
It requires level 50 Mining and completion of the Bone Voyage quest. Level 40 Prayer for Protect from Ranged is also recommended. While accessible at level 50, the group method is recommended from level 70 Mining onwards.
At level 70, expect up to 70,000 XP per hour, scaling to 85,000 at level 99. Entry costs 30 Numulite, and bringing food and a Prayer potion is recommended.
The primary objective is to mine the Huge Rock in the lava channel as it moves downstream.
Mining the Huge Rock yields Ore Fragments, exchangeable for rewards. Players must also maintain the mine’s stability by interacting with vents to prevent collapse.
Three main methods exist within Volcanic Mine: Capping, Fixing, and the Group Method.
Capping involves mining large rocks near gas chambers, managing vents, and repeatedly blocking/unblocking chambers until reaching 406 points.
Capping provides high reward points and approximately 50,000 Mining XP per hour. It’s excellent for Ironman accounts seeking Volcanic Mine shop items like the canteen.
The solo Fixing method focuses on managing vents while mining the Huge Rock.
Fixing is more AFK and yields 20,000 to 60,000 XP per hour from level 50 to 99.
The Group Method is the fastest for XP rates, involving teams of 4-5 players with designated roles: Checking, Fixing, and Boulder Mining. A detailed guide for the Volcanic Mine group method can be found here.
Blast Mine (Levels 45-99)
Blast Mine offers competitive XP rates alongside profit potential.
Utilizing Dynamite allows mining ores up to 10 levels higher than your current Mining level.
This means you can obtain Adamantite Ore at level 60 and even Runite Ore at level 75. While accessible at level 43, starting at level 45 to mine Mithril Ore is recommended.
For optimal XP, begin at level 60, expecting up to 45,000 XP per hour, scaling to 90,000 at level 99. Profit significantly increases after level 75 with the availability of Runite Ore.
Weight-reducing clothing like Graceful is preferred over the Prospector’s Outfit in Blast Mine. Stamina potions and a Ring of Endurance are also beneficial.
The process involves mining a wall section, placing Dynamite, and lighting the fuse.
By moving to the next section in a pattern, you can avoid explosions and maximize XP per hour. The northeast area is considered the optimal training spot.
Zalcano (Levels 70-99)
The Zalcano boss, following a recent update, is now one of the fastest non-tick manipulation Mining training methods.
Disabling loot at Rhiannon boosts Mining XP to 55,000 starting at level 70, reaching up to 100,000 XP per hour at level 99.
While foregoing loot, you still have a chance at obtaining the Zalcano pet. Zalcano is typically fought in groups of 2-5 players.
Weight-reducing clothing and health regeneration items like a Bracelet of Regeneration or Hitpoints Skillcape are recommended. Inventory should include 3 Stamina potions and health restoration items, often 4-8 Saradomin Brews for extended sessions.
Defeating Zalcano involves mining rock formations in corners and refining Tephra at the eastern furnace.
Imbue Tephra at the western altar and throw it at Zalcano and summoned golems. Standing under blue demonic symbols boosts accuracy and damage when throwing Imbued Tephra. Conserving Tephra until blue symbols appear is advisable.
When Zalcano’s armour is depleted, it becomes vulnerable, allowing mining.
After 12-16 seconds, Zalcano recovers and resets to 300 hitpoints. Repeat this process until the boss is defeated.
3-Tick Gem Rocks (Levels 40-99)
At level 40 Mining, 3-tick Gem Rock mining in Shilo Village offers high XP rates.
Practicality improves at level 61+ with a Dragon Pickaxe and Amulet of Glory, which triples the gem rock mining likelihood.
The Medium Karamja Diary unlock is needed to mine continuously in the Underground Gem Mine without world-hopping. A bank chest is nearby for gem deposits after each room lap.
Expect up to 55,000 XP per hour at level 61, and up to 105,000 XP per hour at level 99.
Move counter-clockwise around the room. Start by using 3-tick items on each other, then mine the adjacent rock. Drop unwanted gems immediately after using 3-tick items to maximize gem collection per lap. Deposit a full inventory at the nearby chest.
AFK Mining Training in OSRS
Several AFK Mining methods exist in Old School RuneScape, including Shooting Stars, Motherlode Mine, Calcified Rocks, and passive Mining XP from Zeah Runecrafting.
Shooting Stars (Levels 10-99)
Shooting Stars are popular for their AFK nature, averaging 7 minutes of AFK time per layer.
While unlocked at level 10, starting at level 50 Mining is recommended to access higher-tier stars sooner. Stars are tiered 1 to 9. XP rates are relatively slow but commensurate with the extended AFK time.
Recommended items include the best Pickaxe, Prospector’s Outfit, and teleports for world traversal.
While not all teleports are necessary, having a selection is beneficial. To locate stars, join the in-game “Shooting Stars” friends chat or utilize the Star Miners map website.
The website displays active star locations on the RuneScape map and estimates their remaining lifespan. To mine a Shooting Star, locate one, teleport nearby, and click to mine. AFK mining is possible for up to 7 minutes per layer.
Once a layer depletes, it progresses to the next tier. Click again to continue AFK mining for another 7 minutes. Upon complete depletion, find a new star using the star chat or map and repeat.
Motherlode Mine (Levels 30-99)
The Motherlode Mine, unlocked at level 30 Mining, is a popular AFK method.
Access is gained via the eastern Falador Mine entrance, through the cave tunnel, or using a Skills Necklace.
Mine Pay-dirt from walls and deposit it into the Hopper. A full sack yields ores and Golden Nuggets.
On the ground floor, Pay-dirt veins last 23-27 seconds after the first mining action. The upper floor veins last 36-40 seconds, allowing longer AFK periods.
XP rates on the lower floor start at 13,000 per hour at level 30, increasing to 35,000 towards level 60.
The upper floor provides 45,000 XP at level 60, scaling to 65,000 at level 99.
Commonly recommended reward unlock order for Motherlode Mine is depicted in the image.
A typical Motherlode Mine inventory rotation involves running from the bank to a Pay-dirt deposit, mining wall veins until full inventory.
Deposit Pay-dirt in the Hopper north of the waterwheels loop. XP is granted when Pay-dirt reaches the sack. Repair the waterwheel with a Hammer if water flow stops.
Loot ores and Golden Nuggets from the full sack by left-clicking. Bank or deposit and repeat the process.
Calcified Rocks (Levels 41-99)
Calcified Rocks, introduced after partial Perilous Moons quest completion, require level 41 Mining.
These veins are similar to Motherlode Mine but yield Blessed Bone Shards for Prayer XP instead of ores. With roughly 70 seconds of AFK time per vein, XP rates are moderate, but Prayer XP is simultaneously gained.
Access the mine in western Varlamore, south of Ralos Rise. Periodically, some veins leak water, increasing mining success rate by 15% but depleting faster. World-hopping disables pickaxe functionality until the next ore cycle or re-entry.
Zeah Runecrafting (Levels 77-99 Runecrafting)
Training Runecrafting at the Zeah Arceuus Blood Altar passively grants over 1.2 million Mining XP from level 77 to 99 Runecrafting.
AFK periods can reach 3 minutes at higher Mining levels, but XP rates are low, around 4,000 Mining XP per hour. It’s a passive method, making it worthwhile to train Runecrafting at Zeah before pursuing level 99 Mining through dedicated methods.
Profitable Mining Methods for OSRS GP
Let’s explore the most profitable Mining methods for generating GP, including Blast Mine, Zalcano, Runite Rocks, and Amethyst. Motherlode Mine and Shooting Stars also offer some profit but are primarily AFK training methods.
Blast Mine (Levels 45-99)
Blast Mine’s ability to yield higher-level ores earlier than your Mining level translates to significant profit potential.
Despite being click-intensive, Blast Mine can generate 180,000 GP per hour at level 45.
Profits scale to 620,000 GP per hour at level 90 and reach 800,000 GP per hour at level 99. Leveling from 45 to 99 Mining at Blast Mine can yield over 100 million GP in profit.
Zalcano (Levels 70-99)
Defeating Zalcano is the most profitable Mining money-maker, requiring level 70 Mining and Song of the Elves completion.
With loot enabled, Zalcano can earn up to 2 million GP per hour, though Mining XP is low, peaking at 15,000 XP per hour.
Training from level 70 to 99 Mining at Zalcano with loot enabled can yield over 1.5 billion GP, albeit taking over 500 hours. Zalcano drops a variety of rune and noted resources, including ores, bars, high-level gems, and Onyx bolt tips. Each kill has a 1/200 chance of a Crystal Tool Seed drop and guarantees Crystal Shards.
Runite Rocks (Levels 85-99)
Unlocking at level 85 Mining, Runite Rocks are the second most profitable Mining method.
Each Runite Ore is worth approximately 10,000 GP, with potential mining rates exceeding 60 ores per hour, translating to over 600,000 GP per hour. 15 Runite mining locations exist, with bank-proximal locations often being most profitable per hour but also more crowded.
For Runite mining, prioritize less populated locations, even if further from a bank. Varrock Armour 4 boosts both profit and XP by 10%.
Amethyst (Levels 92-99)
At level 92 Mining, Amethyst mining in the Mining Guild offers approximately 300,000 GP per hour and is a very AFK method.
Mining Gloves are highly recommended to increase AFK time. Varrock Armour and Celestial Ring do not affect Amethyst mining.
Ironman Mining Training Strategies
For Ironman accounts, certain Mining methods become more appealing due to resource needs. Sandstone and Gem Rocks offer good XP rates alongside valuable resources.
Ironmen can utilize all standard training methods, but resource-focused methods are often prioritized.
Sandstone (Levels 35-99)
Unlocked at level 35 Mining, Sandstone is the best way to gather sand for Crafting training, yielding over 2,000 buckets of sand per hour.
XP rates reach up to 45,000 per hour at higher levels, decent for resource gathering. Sandstone is mined in the Desert Quarry.
Run west to the Sand Grinder after a full inventory. Different sandstone weights yield varying sand buckets. Claim noted buckets from Drew for 50 coins each.
Gem Rocks (Levels 40-99)
Gem Rocks are another appealing option for Ironmen, mineable normally or 3-ticked for faster rates.
Over 1,200 gems per hour are obtainable at higher Mining levels. A Gem Bag helps store regular gems.
Shooting Stars (Levels 10-99)
Shooting Stars are valuable for Ironmen seeking Clay and Gem packs, useful for Teleport Tablets and Jewelry.
Viable for AFK training, though output of Clay and Gem packs is slow.
Amethyst (Levels 92-99)
Amethyst is crucial for Ironmen to craft powerful Amethyst ammunition.
Zalcano (Levels 70-99)
Zalcano is excellent for Ironman resource gathering with loot enabled, providing runes, ores, bars, Crystal Shards, and bolt tips.
Disabling loot makes Zalcano one of the fastest non-tick manipulation Mining methods.
Ironmen can generally follow standard training methods, but often prioritize resource gathering, making Sandstone and Gem Rocks valuable.
Free-to-Play (F2P) Mining Guide
Lastly, let’s cover Free-to-Play Mining training methods.
Fastest 1-99 Mining in F2P
The fastest F2P 1-99 Mining route involves Doric’s Quest, Power Mining Copper and Tin to level 15, then Power Mining Iron to level 99.
Shooting Stars are available in F2P but offer reduced experience.
They can be decent training, but rewards are unavailable as the Shooting Stars reward shop is members-only.
Mining Barronite Deposits after the Below Ice Mountain quest is another reasonable F2P method.
It’s low-effort, and Barronite can be smithed for Smithing XP. The Charm of Mining, purchasable for 2,500 Barronite Shards, increases Barronite mining success rate by 10%.
For profitable F2P training, Adamantite and Runite Rocks are accessible.
Adamantite mining yields around 115,000 GP per hour at level 70 Mining. Runite can earn over 500,000 GP per hour, but is highly contested in F2P worlds.
F2P Runite Rocks are located deep in the Wilderness, making it a risky method.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive OSRS Mining guide! Use the table of contents below to navigate to specific sections.
Guide Contents
