OSRS Mining Guide: Level 1-99 Training in Old School RuneScape

OSRS Mining Guide: Level 1-99 Training in Old School RuneScape


Welcome to the ultimate OSRS Mining Guide for Old School RuneScape! Whether you’re a newbie looking to start your mining journey or a seasoned player aiming for that coveted level 99, this guide has everything you need. Mining is a key skill in OSRS, offering both profit and resources for skills like Smithing and Crafting. In this detailed walkthrough, we’ll cover the fastest methods, profitable strategies, and AFK options to help you level up efficiently in 2025. Let’s dig in!

Mining isn’t just about hitting rocks—it’s a gateway to wealth and utility in Old School RuneScape. From gathering ores to crafting powerful gear, this skill is essential for both casual players and Ironmen. Plus, with the right methods, you can make serious gold while training. Here’s why you should prioritize Mining:

Benefits of High Mining Levels

  • Profit Potential: High-level ores like Runite and Amethyst can net you millions of GP.
  • Quest Requirements: Many quests, like “The Giant Dwarf” and “Song of the Elves,” require Mining levels.
  • Raiding Boost: Skills like Chambers of Xeric and Tombs of Amascut benefit from high Mining for faster resource gathering.
  • Ironman Utility: Self-sufficiency for ores and gems is a game-changer.

Essential Gear for Mining

To maximize your efficiency, you’ll need the right tools. The pickaxe is your bread and butter, and upgrading it as you level up is crucial:

Additional gear like the Prospector Outfit (2.5% XP boost) and Mining Gloves (prevents rock depletion) can also enhance your training.

Fastest Mining Methods for Level 1-99

If speed is your goal, these methods will get you to 99 Mining as quickly as possible. Be warned: they’re click-intensive but offer the best XP rates.

Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin

Start your journey by mining Copper and Tin rocks. These are the fastest way to kick off your Mining career:

  • Location: South-East Lumbridge Swamp or South-East Varrock Mine.
  • XP Rate: ~15K XP/hour.
  • Tips: Drop ores for speed (powermining) or bank them for Smithing.

You’ll need to mine about 138 ores to hit level 15 in roughly 15-20 minutes.

Levels 15-60: Iron Ore Powermining

Once you hit level 15, switch to Iron Ore for the fastest XP until level 60:

  • Location: Al Kharid Mine (3-rock spot) or Mining Guild (P2P).
  • XP Rate: 40K-50K XP/hour (up to 68K with tick manipulation).
  • Tips: Use Varrock Armour for a 10% chance to double ores. Drop all ores to avoid banking.

At level 41 with a Rune Pickaxe, you can mine three rocks in a perfect cycle, boosting efficiency.

Levels 60-99: Granite Mining

For the fastest endgame XP, Granite Mining in the Desert Quarry is unbeatable:

  • Location: Quarry south of the Bandit Camp (requires “Enakhra’s Lament”).
  • XP Rate: 60K-75K XP/hour.
  • Tips: Wear desert robes, bring waterskins, and use a humidify spell to stay hydrated.

This method is sweaty but gets you to 99 in record time.

Profitable Mining Methods

Want to make money while training? These methods balance XP with profit, perfect for funding your OSRS adventures.

Levels 40-99: Gem Rocks

After completing the Hard Karamja Diary, mine Gem Rocks for profit and decent XP:

  • Location: Shilo Village Underground Mine (use Karamja Gloves 3 for teleport).
  • XP Rate: 50K-105K XP/hour (scales with level).
  • Profit: 500K-700K GP/hour from gems.

The nearby bank deposit box makes this a low-hassle option.

Levels 75-99: Blast Mine

Blast Mine offers a mix of profit and XP, especially at higher levels:

  • Location: Lovakengj (requires 100% favor).
  • XP Rate: 60K-70K XP/hour.
  • Profit: 600K-800K GP/hour (Runite ores at 75+).

Use a Dragon Pickaxe spec to boost to 85 temporarily for Runite access.

Levels 85-99: Runite Ore

For F2P or P2P players, Runite is the king of profit:

  • Location: Wilderness Lava Maze (F2P) or Mining Guild (P2P).
  • XP Rate: 20K-30K XP/hour.
  • Profit: 800K-1M GP/hour.

World-hop to avoid waiting for respawns, but beware PKers in the Wilderness!

AFK Mining Methods

Not everyone wants to sweat for XP. These AFK-friendly methods let you train Mining with minimal effort.

Levels 30-99: Motherlode Mine

The Motherlode Mine is a fan-favorite for relaxed training:

  • Location: Falador (east entrance or Skills Necklace).
  • XP Rate: 20K-40K XP/hour (up to 55K at 72+).
  • Profit: Gold nuggets for Prospector gear and ore bags.

Mine pay-dirt, deposit it, and collect ores from the sack—simple and chill.

Levels 70-99: Volcanic Mine

For a team-based AFK option, try Volcanic Mine:

  • Location: Fossil Island (requires “Bone Voyage” and 150 Kudos).
  • XP Rate: 70K-85K XP/hour.
  • Tips: Join World 323 or form a team for max efficiency.

It’s not profitable, but the XP is worth it for low-effort players.

Levels 10-99: Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars offer long AFK sessions with decent rewards:

  • Location: Varies (use telescopes or “Star Miners” chat).
  • XP Rate: 20K-30K XP/hour.
  • Profit: Stardust for celestial ring upgrades.

Mine a star layer every 7 minutes, then hop to the next—perfect for multitasking.

Mining Leveling Roadmap

Here’s a quick table to plan your journey to 99 Mining, combining speed, profit, and AFK options:

Level Range Method XP/Hour Profit Effort
1-15 Copper/Tin 15K Low Low
15-60 Iron Powermining 40K-50K None High
60-99 Granite 60K-75K None Very High
40-99 Gem Rocks 50K-105K 500K-700K Medium
30-99 Motherlode Mine 20K-55K Low Low

Tips for Efficiency

  • Quests: Complete “Doric’s Quest” (1.3K XP) and “The Dig Site” (15.3K XP) for an early boost to level 32.
  • Tick Manipulation: Use 3-tick mining (e.g., with tar or guam) to double XP rates on low-level ores.
  • Boosts: Celestial Ring (+4 Mining) and Dragon Pickaxe spec for temporary level boosts.

With this OSRS Mining Guide, you’re ready to tackle the grind! Whether you’re chasing speed with Granite, profit with Runite, or relaxation with Motherlode Mine, there’s a method for every playstyle. Happy mining, and may your pickaxe strike true!