Ironman Mining Guide OSRS: Best Methods for 1-99 in 2025

Ironman Mining Guide OSRS: Best Methods for 1-99 in 2025


For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining is a cornerstone skill that fuels self-sufficiency. Whether you’re gathering ores for smithing, collecting gems for crafting, or stockpiling resources for future use, this Ironman Mining Guide OSRS will walk you through the most efficient and practical methods to reach level 99. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, making mining a critical skill for progression. Let’s dive into the best strategies, locations, and tips tailored for Ironman accounts in 2025!

Mining isn’t just about hitting rocks—it’s about building the foundation for your Ironman journey. As an Ironman, you’re locked out of trading and buying supplies, so every ore, gem, and resource you mine is a step toward crafting gear, making potions, or completing quests. This guide focuses on methods that balance experience rates with resource gathering, ensuring you get the most out of your time in Gielinor.

Key Benefits of Mining for Ironmen

  • Self-Sufficiency: Ores like iron, coal, and mithril are essential for smithing armor and weapons.
  • Crafting Supplies: Gems and sandstone provide materials for jewelry and glassblowing.
  • Quest Requirements: Many quests, like “The Knight’s Sword” and “Dragon Slayer II,” require mining levels or resources.
  • Passive Income: High-alchable items from mining activities can fund other skills.

Early Levels: Mining Basics (1-30)

OSRS ToA Guide Tombs of Amascut Raids 3 Gear

The early grind is all about building momentum. For Ironmen, starting with accessible methods that don’t require high stats or gear is key. Here’s how to kick things off efficiently.

Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin

Begin your mining journey with copper and tin rocks, which are abundant and respawn quickly. The Lumbridge Swamp Mine and Varrock South-East Mine are ideal spots due to their proximity to banks (for banking ores) or open space (for powermining).

  • Method: Powermine by dropping ores to maximize XP rates (up to 17k XP/hour).
  • Tip: Complete “Doric’s Quest” for a quick boost to level 10.
  • Pickaxe: Use an iron pickaxe (available from Tutorial Island) until you can buy a steel one at level 6 from Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop in the Dwarven Mine.

Levels 15-30: Iron Ore

Switch to iron rocks at level 15 for faster XP and useful resources. The Al Kharid Mine is a top choice due to its three-rock cluster, perfect for powermining.

  • Method: Powermine for 25k-30k XP/hour, or bank the ore for smithing later.
  • Alternative Location: Legends’ Guild Mine (requires Legends’ Quest start) with fairy ring access (B-L-R).
  • Tip: Upgrade to a black pickaxe at level 11 or mithril at level 21 if you’ve got the cash or drops.

Mid-Game Mining: Resource Gathering (30-70)

At this stage, Ironmen need to balance XP with gathering resources like coal, gems, and sandstone. These levels unlock key methods that support other skills like crafting and smithing.

Levels 30-55: Motherlode Mine

The Motherlode Mine (accessible at level 30) is a relaxed, resource-heavy option. Located near the Mining Guild in Falador, it’s perfect for Ironmen looking to stockpile ores.

  • Method: Mine pay-dirt, deposit it in the hopper, and collect ores like coal, mithril, and gold (20k-30k XP/hour).
  • Rewards: Earn golden nuggets for the Prospector Kit (+2.5% XP bonus) and coal bag (holds 27 coal).
  • Tip: Use a skills necklace to teleport directly to the Mining Guild for quick access.

Levels 35-70: Sandstone Mining

For Ironmen training crafting, sandstone mining in the Quarry (Kharidian Desert) is a must. It provides buckets of sand for glassblowing while offering decent XP.

Level XP/Hour Sand/Hour
35-50 30k-35k 1,500-2,000
50-70 40k-45k 2,000-2,500
  • Method: Mine sandstone, grind it at the Sandstorm machine, and collect noted buckets of sand from Drew (50 coins per bucket).
  • Tip: Wear desert robes and bring waterskins to survive the heat.

Levels 40-70: Gem Rocks

After completing the Hard Karamja Diary, mine gem rocks in Shilo Village for XP and valuable gems (sapphires, emeralds, rubies, diamonds).

  • Method: Mine gems for 50k-60k XP/hour; cut them for crafting XP or save for jewelry.
  • Tip: Wear a charged Amulet of Glory to boost mining speed.
  • Location: Use Karamja Gloves 3 to teleport directly to the underground mine.

Late-Game Mining: Pushing to 99 (70-99)

The final stretch to 99 offers high-XP methods and lucrative rewards. Ironmen can choose between fast training or resource-focused options depending on their goals.

Levels 70-99: Volcanic Mine

The Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island is a low-effort, team-based method that’s viable for Ironmen with decent stats.

  • Method: Mine volcanic rocks for 60k-70k XP/hour; requires 50 Mining and 150 Kudos.
  • Rewards: Points for ore packs, coal bags, or a broken dragon pickaxe (repairable for 2.5M coins).
  • Tip: Join a group via the “VM” friends chat to maximize efficiency.

Levels 75-99: Granite Mining

For pure XP, granite mining in the Quarry is one of the fastest methods without tick manipulation.

  • Method: Powermine 5kg granite rocks for 60k-75k XP/hour.
  • Tip: Wear Varrock Armour and a charged Amulet of Glory for bonus XP and speed.
  • Note: Drop the granite unless you need it for summoning (granite lobsters).

Levels 92-99: Amethyst Mining

Amethyst mining in the Mining Guild (post-”Song of the Elves”) is a profitable, AFK-friendly option for Ironmen.

  • Method: Mine amethyst for 20k-25k XP/hour and craft into dart tips for 1.6M fletching XP from 92-99.
  • Profit: Up to 400k GP/hour if sold (via high alchemy on a main account or alts).
  • Tip: Use a dragon pickaxe (level 61) for faster mining.

Special Tips and Tricks for Ironman Mining

To optimize your mining grind, consider these Ironman-specific strategies that save time and boost efficiency.

Pickaxe Progression

Upgrading your pickaxe is crucial for faster mining. Here’s the progression:

  • Iron (Level 1): Starting tool.
  • Steel (Level 6): Buy from Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop.
  • Mithril (Level 21): Affordable upgrade at 500-1,000 GP.
  • Rune (Level 41): 32k GP from Nurmof or monster drops (e.g., Crazy Archaeologist).
  • Dragon (Level 61): Rare drop from Chaos Elemental or Volcanic Mine ore packs.

Boosting XP Rates

  • Prospector Kit: Earn nuggets in Motherlode Mine for a 2.5% XP boost.
  • Varrock Armour: Unlocked via Varrock Diary; boosts mining XP and ore yield.
  • Shooting Stars: Find via “Star Miners” chat; offers 30k-40k XP/hour and stardust for gem packs.

Quest Boosts

Quests can skip tedious early levels:

  • Doric’s Quest: 1,300 XP (Level 1 → 10).
  • Plague City: 2,425 XP (Level 10 → 15).
  • The Dig Site: 15,300 XP (Level 25 → 35 with requirements).

Conclusion: Your Path to 99 Mining as an Ironman

Reaching 99 Mining as an Ironman in OSRS is a rewarding grind that pays off in resources and bragging rights. From powermining iron in Al Kharid to collecting amethyst in the Mining Guild, this guide covers the best methods for every stage of your journey. Focus on gathering resources like coal, gems, and sand to support your other skills, and don’t shy away from AFK options like Motherlode Mine or Volcanic Mine when you need a break. With patience and the right strategy, you’ll hit that 99 cape and unlock the full potential of your Ironman account. Happy mining!