Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) used to be synonymous with slow progress and tedious gameplay. However, recent updates have breathed new life into this skill, making it significantly more accessible and even enjoyable to train. From changes to Shooting Stars and the Motherlode Mine to the introduction of Calcified Rocks and Duke mining, leveling Mining has become less of a grind than ever before.
Guide Contents
Why Train Mining?
Mining XP Boosts
Pathways to 99 Mining
Low Level Mining (Levels 1-30)
Fastest Mining Methods (Levels 30-99)
AFK Mining Training (Levels 10-99)
Profitable Mining Methods (Levels 45-99)
Ironman Mining Guide (Levels 1-99)
Free-to-Play (F2P) Mining Guide (Levels 1-99)
If you’re looking to delve into the world of OSRS Mining, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to reach level 99 efficiently, whether you prioritize speed, AFK training, profit, or playing as an Ironman or in F2P.
Why Train Mining?
Why dedicate your time to training Mining in OSRS? The benefits extend far beyond simply leveling up a skill.
Mining stands out as one of the most, if not the most, crucial non-combat skills for tackling raids. Both the Chambers of Xeric and the Tombs of Amascut raids feature significant mining components. In the Tombs of Amascut, achieving at least level 85 Mining is essential to deal sufficient damage during encounters. Furthermore, a higher Mining level directly translates to increased damage against Guardians within the Chambers of Xeric raid.
Beyond raids, Mining is a prerequisite for a wide array of essential quests. Lunar Diplomacy demands level 60 Mining, while Song of the Elves requires level 70. Reaching level 70 Mining is necessary to obtain the coveted Quest Cape, and level 85 is needed for the Achievement Diary Cape, showcasing the skill’s importance for completionists.
Beyond unlocks and essential upgrades, Mining offers a pathway to substantial profit. Depending on the methods you choose, you can accumulate a significant amount of gold pieces (GP) on your journey to level 99, making it a worthwhile skill to train for both utility and wealth.
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, effectively increasing your mining speed. Charging the ring with Stardust grants a 10% chance to mine an extra ore (up to adamantite), yielding full experience. This translates to roughly a 10% XP increase per hour, making it invaluable for methods like power mining iron.
Varrock Armour, earned from completing the Varrock Achievement Diary, offers a 10% chance to receive double ores while mining, again resulting in approximately a 10% XP increase overall. Each tier of Varrock Armour works up to a specific type of rock. Combining Varrock Armour with the Celestial Ring can lead to a cumulative 20% XP boost at certain mining locations, significantly accelerating your journey to 99.
Reaching level 60 Mining grants access to the Mining Guild. Within the guild, rocks regenerate faster, and players receive an invisible +7 Mining level boost.
While mining inside the Mining Guild, you can discover Unidentified Minerals. These 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 slow-respawn rocks like runite and amethyst.
Training at the Motherlode Mine yields Golden Nuggets. Accumulating 180 nuggets allows you to purchase the full Prospector’s Outfit. This set provides a 2.5% Mining XP boost when worn in full. While obtaining the full set can take 10 to 20 hours at the Motherlode Mine, it’s a worthwhile investment for those aiming for 99 Mining.
Completing the medium Falador Diary and having 50 Agility unlocks a shortcut within the Motherlode Mine, improving pay-dirt deposit efficiency.
With level 57 Mining and 100 Golden Nuggets, you can access the upper level of the Motherlode Mine. This area provides increased XP rates and more AFK time compared to the lower level.
Always strive to use and upgrade to the best pickaxe available to you, culminating in the Dragon Pickaxe. Starting with the Bronze Pickaxe, you have a chance of obtaining ore every 8 game ticks. This decreases to 3 ticks with the Rune Pickaxe. The Dragon Pickaxe introduces a 1 in 6 chance that your mining action becomes 2 ticks, further accelerating ore acquisition.
The Crystal Pickaxe, requiring completion of the Song of the Elves quest, represents the pinnacle for fastest Mining experience. It offers a 1 in 4 chance for a 2-tick mining action, slightly better than the Dragon Pickaxe, making it ideal for high-level Mining training.
The Dragon, Crystal, and 3rd Age Pickaxes possess a special attack that grants a +3 Mining level boost, enhancing your mining speed temporarily. Even if your Mining level isn’t sufficient to wield a Dragon Pickaxe, you can still benefit from its special attack as long as you have level 60 Attack.
Pathways to 99 Mining
The optimal pathway to 99 Mining depends on your priorities: fastest experience, AFK training, or profit.
The absolute fastest route to 99 Mining involves tick manipulation, specifically utilizing 3-tick 4-iron and granite mining. Following this intensive pathway can get you from level 1 to 99 in approximately 130 hours, with granite mining forming the majority of your training.
The fastest pathway to 99 without tick manipulation takes around 180 to 200 hours. This path includes methods like training at the Volcanic Mine, Blast Mine, or defeating Zalcano.
Popular AFK Mining pathways include mining Shooting Stars, training at the Motherlode Mine, or mining Calcified Rocks.
For those interested in profit, this guide will cover Blast Mining, Zalcano, Runite Rocks, and Amethyst mining as viable money-making methods.
Low Level Mining (Levels 1-30)
Starting your Mining journey can feel slow at low levels. Here’s how to efficiently progress through the early levels.
Questing (Levels 1-30)
Questing offers the most rapid experience gain at low Mining levels.
Every player should prioritize completing Doric’s Quest to swiftly jump from level 1 to 10 Mining. Ironman accounts will need to acquire iron ores, either by defeating dwarves or pickpocketing HAM members, to complete this quest.
Next, completing the Plague City quest provides an easy boost to level 18 Mining.
Finally, completing The Dig Site quest will propel you to level 33 Mining. While this 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 prerequisites.
Copper & Tin Power mining (Levels 1-15)
If questing isn’t your preference, the traditional method for training low-level Mining is power mining copper and tin.
This can be done in various locations throughout RuneScape, with easily accessible spots including the Lumbridge Swamp Mine and the Varrock mines (southeast and southwest).
Prioritize upgrading to the next available pickaxe as soon as you unlock it, as this significantly increases your mining speed. Purchase all pickaxes up to your current level before commencing training.
Reaching level 15 from level 1 requires mining approximately 138 ores, taking around 15 minutes. For even faster XP rates, you can utilize 3-tick copper and tin mining, initiating a 3-tick action before mining each rock.
Tick manipulation techniques like 3-tick mining can nearly double your mining speed in some cases and are the only way to surpass 100,000 Mining XP per hour in the entire game.
Fastest Mining Methods (Levels 30-99)
For players prioritizing speed and efficiency, these methods offer the quickest path to 99 Mining.
Power mining Iron (Levels 15-70)
Power mining iron ore is the fastest experience method without tick manipulation from level 15 to 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 a key unlock for iron mining, providing a significant 10% XP boost.
Train at 3-iron rock locations, allowing you to mine continuously without moving between rocks. 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 3-rock iron locations. Rocks respawn faster here, and you have the added benefit of obtaining Unidentified Minerals.
The process of power mining iron involves mining the rocks and dropping the ores without banking or moving.
Using RuneLite, you can reposition your inventory closer to the rocks to minimize mouse movement when dropping ores. You can choose to mine and drop after each rock or mine all three rocks and then drop the full inventory.
3-Tick 4-Iron (Levels 15-45)
3-tick 4-iron mining is the fastest XP method from levels 15 to 45, employing movement and tick manipulation for 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 achieved by eliminating downtime waiting for rocks to respawn.
This method is only viable at specific locations with four iron rocks in close proximity. The Isle of Souls is a popular and accessible location for 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 ore, initiate another 3-tick cycle and click on a nearby rock, repeating the process.
Movement every 3 game ticks is essential. Even if you don’t successfully mine a rock, move to the next one to maintain the 3-tick action cycle.
Setting iron ore to left-click drop and dropping immediately after initiating the 3-tick cycle is recommended for experienced players. When learning, focus on maintaining the 3-tick cycle and restart if mistakes disrupt ore acquisition.
3-Tick 4-Granite (Levels 45-99)
3-tick 4-granite mining is the fastest method from level 45 to 99, also requiring tick manipulation and movement for maximum XP rates.
Expect up to 85,000 XP per hour at level 45, scaling to 125,000 XP per hour at level 99.
The only location for this method is the desert quarry, deep in the Kharidian Desert, featuring four granite rocks close together.
Bring waterskins, a circlet of water, or the Desert Amulet 4 to mitigate desert heat.
Similar to 3-tick 4-iron, you’ll need a 3-tick cycle item: 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 at level 65.
Start with a 3-tick cycle action, then click to mine a granite rock. Upon receiving the XP drop, initiate another 3-tick action and click the next rock, following a clockwise pattern. Maintain movement every 3 ticks, even without XP drops. Set granite to left-click drop for faster ore disposal between mining actions.
Volcanic Mine (Levels 50-99)
The Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island offers one of the fastest non-tick manipulation Mining methods in OSRS.
Requires 50 Mining and completion of the Bone Voyage quest. 40 Prayer is recommended for Protect from Ranged. While accessible at level 50, the group method is best started after level 70 Mining.
At level 70, expect up to 70,000 XP per hour, increasing to 85,000 at level 99. Entry costs 30 Numulite, and food and prayer potions are 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. Monitor mine stability and interact 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 around 50,000 Mining XP per hour, ideal for obtaining Volcanic Mine shop items, particularly for Ironmen.
Fixing is a solo, more AFK method involving vent management while mining the Huge Rock.
Fixing yields 20,000 XP per hour at level 50, scaling to 60,000 at level 99.
The group method, the fastest XP approach in Volcanic Mine, involves teams of 4-5 players with designated roles: checking, fixing, and boulder mining.
Roles are combined between players to maximize efficiency. A dedicated guide for the Volcanic Mine group method is available here.
Blast Mine (Levels 45-99)
Blast Mine provides competitive XP rates alongside profit.
Blast Mine allows mining higher-level ores than your Mining level by using dynamite. Ores up to 10 levels higher than your Mining level can be obtained.
Adamantite ore becomes accessible at level 60, and Runite ore at level 75. Start training at level 43, but waiting until 45 for mithril ore is recommended.
For optimal XP, start at level 60, expecting up to 45,000 XP per hour, scaling to 90,000 at level 99. Profit significantly increases after level 75 when Runite ore is unlocked.
Graceful clothing is recommended over the Prospector’s Outfit for weight reduction. Stamina potions and a Ring of Endurance can further enhance efficiency.
The process involves mining a section of wall, placing dynamite, and lighting the fuse.
Following a specific pattern and moving to the next section allows you to avoid explosions and maximize XP per hour. The northeast area is the optimal training spot.
Zalcano (Levels 70-99)
Since a recent update, the Zalcano boss has become 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 loot is disabled, you still have a chance at the Zalcano pet. Zalcano is typically fought in groups of 2-5 players.
Weight-reducing clothing and health regeneration items, such as a Bracelet of Regeneration or Hitpoints Skillcape, are recommended. Inventory should include stamina potions and health restoration items like Saradomin brews for extended trips.
Defeating Zalcano involves mining rock formations in corners and refining tephra at the furnace east of the arena.
Imbue refined tephra at the altar on the west side to create imbued tephra, used to attack Zalcano and summoned golems.
Standing under blue demonic symbols increases accuracy and damage when throwing imbued tephra. Conserving tephra until blue symbols appear is advisable.
When armor is depleted, Zalcano becomes vulnerable, allowing you to mine it directly. After 12-16 seconds, Zalcano resets to 300 hitpoints, and the process repeats until defeated.
3-Tick Gem Rocks (Levels 40-99)
At level 40 Mining, 3-tick gem rock mining in Shilo Village offers notable XP rates.
Practical at level 61+ with a Dragon Pickaxe. An Amulet of Glory is essential, tripling the likelihood of mining gems.
Unlock the Medium Karamja Diary for continuous mining in the Underground Gem Mine without world-hopping. A bank chest is nearby for gem deposits.
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. Initiate 3-tick actions and mine the adjacent gem rock. Drop unwanted gems immediately after 3-tick actions to maximize gem collection per lap. Deposit gems at the nearby chest when inventory is full.
AFK Mining Training (Levels 10-99)
For players seeking less intensive training, OSRS offers various AFK Mining methods.
Shooting Stars (Levels 10-99)
Shooting Stars are popular for their AFK nature, with an average AFK time of 7 minutes per layer.
Unlocked at level 10, but recommended to start at level 50 for faster star access. Stars are tiered 1-9, each tier with varying requirements and XP rates.
XP rates are relatively slow, but the long AFK time is a major advantage. Best pickaxe, Prospector’s Outfit, and teleports are recommended.
Utilize the in-game “Shooting Stars” friends chat or the Star Miners map website to locate active stars.
Locate a star, teleport nearby, and mine it. AFK for up to 7 minutes per layer.
When a layer depletes, it progresses to the next tier. Click once to continue mining. Once fully depleted, locate a new star and repeat.
Motherlode Mine (Levels 30-99)
The Motherlode Mine is a popular AFK Mining method, unlocked at level 30.
Accessible via the eastern Falador mine entrance or a Skills Necklace.
Mine pay-dirt from walls and deposit it into the hopper. Loot the sack when full for ores and Golden Nuggets.
Lower floor pay-dirt veins last 23-27 seconds; upper floor veins last 36-40 seconds, offering longer AFK periods.
Lower floor XP starts at 13,000 per hour, increasing to 35,000 by level 60. Upper floor XP ranges from 45,000 at level 60 to 65,000 at level 99.
Unlock rewards in this order for optimal progression:
Inventory management at Motherlode Mine:
Deposit pay-dirt into the hopper:
Repair the water wheel with a hammer if it stops flowing. Loot the ore sack when full and repeat the cycle.
Calcified Rocks (Levels 41-99)
Calcified Rocks, introduced after the Perilous Moons quest, require level 41 Mining.
Similar to Motherlode Mine, but yield Blessed Bone Shards instead of ores, used for Prayer XP.
Average AFK time of approximately 70 seconds, with mediocre Mining XP rates but simultaneous Prayer training. Located in western Varlamore, south of Ralos Rise. Water leaks from veins every 1-2 minutes; mining these increases success rate by 15% but depletes them faster. World-hopping may cause pickaxe malfunction until the next ore cycle.
Zeah Runecrafting (Levels 77-99 Runecrafting)
Training Runecrafting at the Zeah Arceuus Blood Altar passively yields over 1.2 million Mining XP from level 77 to 99 Runecrafting.
AFK up to 3 minutes at higher Mining levels, but only around 4,000 Mining XP per hour. Consider training Zeah Runecrafting before aiming for 99 Mining to capitalize on passive XP gain.
Profitable Mining Methods (Levels 45-99)
For players seeking to make GP while training Mining, these methods offer the best returns.
Blast Mine (Levels 45-99)
Blast Mine, due to access to higher-level ores earlier, offers good profit from level 45 onwards.
While click-intensive, it yields approximately 180,000 GP per hour at level 45.
Profit scales up to 620,000 GP per hour at level 90 and 800,000 GP per hour at level 99. Leveling from 45 to 99 at Blast Mine can generate over 100 million GP in profit.
Zalcano (Levels 70-99)
Defeating Zalcano with loot enabled is the most profitable Mining money-making method, requiring level 70 Mining and Song of the Elves completion.
With loot enabled, earn up to 2 million GP per hour, but Mining XP is lower, maxing at 15,000 per hour.
Leveling from 70 to 99 Mining solely at Zalcano with loot can yield over 1.5 billion GP, but takes over 500 hours. Zalcano drops include runes, noted resources (ores, bars), high-level gems, and onyx bolt tips. Each kill has a 1/200 chance for a Crystal Tool Seed drop and guarantees Crystal Shards.
Runite Rocks (Levels 85-99)
At level 85 Mining, Runite Rocks become the second most profitable Mining method.
Each Runite ore is worth approximately 10,000 GP, and mining over 60 ores per hour is achievable, translating to over 600,000 GP per hour. 15 Runite mining locations exist. Closer-to-bank locations offer higher profit per hour but are often crowded.
Choose less populated locations, regardless of bank proximity, for more consistent mining. Varrock Armour 4 provides a 10% profit and XP boost while mining Runite.
Amethyst (Levels 92-99)
At level 92 Mining, Amethyst mining in the Mining Guild yields around 300,000 GP profit per hour and is very AFK.
Mining Gloves are strongly recommended for increased AFK time. Varrock Armour and Celestial Ring do not affect Amethyst mining.
Ironman Mining Guide (Levels 1-99)
For Ironman accounts, certain Mining methods become more valuable due to resource self-sufficiency. Sandstone and Gem Rocks are particularly beneficial, offering decent XP and useful resources.
Ironmen can utilize all regular training methods, but some are more tailored to their needs.
Sandstone (Levels 35-99)
Unlocked at level 35 Mining, Sandstone is the best source of 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 considering the crafting supplies obtained. Mined in the desert quarry. Run west to the sand grinder to convert sandstone to buckets of sand.
Different sandstone weights yield varying sand amounts. Claim noted buckets from Drew for 50 coins each.
Gem Rocks (Levels 40-99)
Gem Rocks are highly beneficial for Ironmen, mined normally or 3-ticked for faster rates.
Yield over 1,200 gems per hour at higher Mining levels. A Gem Bag is useful for storing regular gems.
Shooting Stars (Levels 10-99)
Shooting Stars are excellent for Ironmen seeking clay packs and gem packs, useful for teleport tablets and jewelry crafting.
Viable for AFK training, though clay and gem pack output is relatively 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 acquisition with loot enabled, providing runes, ores, bars, crystal shards, and bolt tips.
Without loot, Zalcano is one of the fastest non-tick manipulation Mining methods. Ironmen prioritize resource gathering, making Sandstone and Gem Rocks key training methods.
Free-to-Play (F2P) Mining Guide (Levels 1-99)
For F2P players, Mining options are more limited but still viable to reach level 99.
Fastest 1-99 Mining in F2P
The fastest F2P route involves Doric’s Quest, power mining copper and tin to level 15, and then power mining iron from 15 to 99.
Shooting Stars are available in F2P but offer reduced XP and no rewards due to the reward shop being members-only.
Mining Barronite Deposits after the Below Ice Mountain quest is another decent F2P method.
Low effort, and Barronite can be smithed for Smithing XP. The Charm of Mining, purchasable for Barronite shards, increases mining success rate by 10%.
Profitable F2P Mining methods include Adamantite and Runite Rocks.
Adamantite 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 and often crowded method.
Thanks for reading this comprehensive OSRS Mining guide! Whether you’re aiming for level 99, seeking AFK methods, or trying to profit, this guide provides the knowledge to optimize your Mining journey.
