Copper ore

Released	Unknown
Members	Yes
Quest item	No
Properties
Tradeable	Yes
Equipable	No
Stackable	No
Noteable	No
Options	Mine, Drop
Examine	A piece of copper ore.
Values
Value	1 coin
High alch	0 coins
Low alch	0 coins
Weight	0.3 kg

Overview of Copper Ore

Copper ore is a valuable resource in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), primarily used for smelting and crafting various items and equipment. It is a staple material for beginners learning the skills of Mining and Smithing. Players can mine copper ore from copper rocks, which are plentiful in several locations across Gielinor.

Mining Copper Ore

To obtain copper ore, players must visit locations that contain copper rocks. The most accessible locations for new players include:

Lumbridge Swamp: Located just south of Lumbridge Castle, this area features multiple copper rocks.
Varrock South East Mine: This mine is easily accessible and offers a good number of copper rocks.
Rimmington Mine: Known for its proximity to a bank, Rimmington Mine is a popular spot for mining copper ore.

Players can mine copper ore with a pickaxe, with higher-level pickaxes allowing for faster mining rates. The experience gained from mining copper ore is 17.5 experience points per ore.

Smelting Copper Ore

Copper ore can be smelted into copper bars at a furnace. To do this, players need to have at least level 1 Smithing. The smelting process requires one copper ore and provides 6.2 experience points upon successful smelting. Here’s a quick guide on how to smelt copper ore:

Mine copper ore from copper rocks.
Travel to a furnace, such as the one located in Varrock.
Select the copper ore from your inventory and choose the option to smelt it.

Players can also create bronze bars by combining copper ore with tin ore, allowing for the crafting of various bronze items.

Uses of Copper Bars

Once smelted, copper bars can be used in multiple ways:

Crafting: Players can create bronze equipment, such as bronze swords, shields, and armor.
Training Smithing: Copper bars are essential for training Smithing, allowing players to create various bronze items that help level up their skills.
Quests: Some quests require copper bars or bronze items, making them useful for progressing through the game.

Market Value and Trading

Copper ore has a relatively low market value, often fluctuating based on player demand and mining activity. As of October 2023, the average market price for copper ore is around 60 coins, while copper bars trade for approximately 200 coins. This price difference makes mining and smelting copper ore a viable method for earning money, especially for low-level players.

Players can sell copper ore directly at various shops or to other players through the Grand Exchange. It’s worth noting that during periods of high demand, such as after game updates or events, the price of copper ore can significantly increase.

Experience Gains and Mining Strategy

Mining copper ore provides solid experience for beginner players. Here’s a breakdown of experience gains:

Activity	Experience Points
Mining Copper Ore	17.5 XP per ore
Smelting Copper Ore	6.2 XP per bar

To maximize experience gains, players often use the following strategies:

Mining in a busy area: Being in a populated mining area can increase the likelihood of finding copper rocks.
Utilizing energy-restoration items: Items such as energy potions help maintain a high mining rate by reducing downtime.
Joining a mining community: Collaborating with other players can provide tips and improve mining efficiency.

Quests Involving Copper Ore

Several quests in OSRS require copper ore or related items. Here are a few notable ones:

Forgiveness of a Chaos Dwarf: This quest requires players to smelt a bronze bar, which necessitates mining both copper and tin ore.
Animal Magnetism: Players need to craft items using bronze, making copper ore essential.
The Knight’s Sword: This quest involves a bronze bar and thus requires players to gather copper ore.

Engaging with these quests not only rewards players with experience points but also provides opportunities to unlock new skills and items.

Tips for Efficient Copper Ore Mining

To maximize your efficiency while mining copper ore, consider the following tips:

Upgrade Your Pickaxe: Using a higher-level pickaxe reduces the time it takes to mine ore.
Use the Best Mining Locations: Prioritize areas with multiple copper rocks to reduce waiting time.
Train Mining Skills: Focus on leveling up mining skills to unlock additional benefits and access to better ores.