OSRS AFK Mining Guide: Best Methods for 2025

OSRS AFK Mining Guide: Best Methods for 2025


Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can feel like a grind, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking to level up your Mining skill without constant clicking, this OSRS AFK Mining Guide is for you. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a pay-to-play (P2P) member, there are plenty of low-effort methods to gain experience, gather resources, and even make some gold. In this guide, we’ll explore the best AFK Mining spots, tips to maximize efficiency, and everything you need to know to train Mining passively in 2025. Let’s dig in!

AFK (Away From Keyboard) Mining is perfect for players who want to multitask—whether you’re studying, working, or just relaxing with a show. Unlike high-intensity methods like 3-tick Granite Mining, AFK options let you progress with minimal input. Plus, many of these methods offer decent XP rates and profit potential, making them ideal for casual players, Ironmen, or anyone building a bankroll.

Benefits of AFK Mining

  • Low Effort: Click once and mine for extended periods.
  • Multitasking: Train Mining while doing real-life tasks.
  • Profit Potential: Some methods yield valuable ores and items.
  • Accessibility: Options for both F2P and P2P players.

Who Should Use This Guide?

This guide is tailored for beginners looking to ease into Mining, mid-level players seeking efficient AFK methods, and high-level players wanting profit with little effort. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 or just gathering resources, there’s something here for you.

Essential Gear for AFK Mining

199 Complete Mining Guide OSRS Fastest AFK Methods OSRS Guide

Before diving into the methods, let’s cover the gear that’ll boost your AFK Mining efficiency. The right equipment can increase XP rates, reduce clicks, and even add profit.

Pickaxes: Your Core Tool

Always use the best pickaxe your Mining level allows. Higher-tier pickaxes reduce the time between mining ticks, making every method more AFK-friendly.

Pickaxe Mining Level Notes
Bronze 1 Starter pickaxe, slow mining speed.
Rune 41 Best F2P option, decent speed.
Dragon 61 P2P, 5.88% faster than Rune.
Crystal 71 Best in-game, requires Song of the Elves.

Boosting Gear

  • Prospector Kit: Earned from Motherlode Mine, gives a 2.5% XP boost when fully equipped.
  • Varrock Armour: From Varrock Diaries, offers a 10% chance to mine double ores (up to tier 4).
  • Mining Gloves: Available in the Mining Guild, reduce rock depletion chance (expert gloves best for high-level ores).
  • Celestial Ring: From Shooting Stars, provides an invisible +4 Mining boost.

Top AFK Mining Methods for F2P Players

Free-to-play players have fewer options, but there are still solid AFK methods to level Mining without breaking a sweat. Here’s what works in 2025.

Rune Essence Mining (Level 1+)

After completing the Rune Mysteries quest, you can mine Rune Essence in the Rune Essence Mine. It’s the most AFK method for low levels.

  • Location: Teleport via Aubury in Varrock.
  • XP Per Inventory: 140 XP (5 XP per essence, 28 slots).
  • AFK Factor: Mine a full inventory in ~50 seconds with one click.
  • Profit: Minimal, but stackable essences are useful for Runecrafting.

Tip: Perfect for mobile players or while doing homework—click once and wait.

Shooting Stars (Level 10+)

Shooting Stars are part of the Distraction and Diversion activity. They’re slow but incredibly AFK, ideal for F2P players.

  • Location: Varies—join a group like “Star Miners” Discord for callouts.
  • XP Per Hour: 8,000–13,000 at level 70.
  • AFK Factor: Mine for 7 minutes per tier before clicking again.
  • Profit: Stardust can be traded for rewards like the Celestial Ring.

Tip: Use F2P worlds to avoid crowded P2P spots.

Barronite Mining in Ruins of Camdozaal (Level 1+)

Unlocked after the Below Ice Mountain quest, this method offers decent XP and is very AFK.

  • Location: Ruins of Camdozaal, beneath Ice Mountain.
  • XP Per Hour: 18,000–20,000 with buffs at level 75.
  • AFK Factor: Long depletion times mean fewer clicks.
  • Profit: Barronite shards can be spent on buffs or tools.

Tip: Buy the Charm of Mining buff from Ramarno for extra XP.

Best AFK Mining Methods for P2P Players

Members have access to a wider range of AFK Mining methods, many of which balance XP with profit. These are the top picks for 2025.

Motherlode Mine (Level 30+)

The Motherlode Mine is the king of AFK Mining for mid-level players. It’s low-effort, profitable, and scales with your level.

  • Location: Dwarven Mines under Falador.
  • XP Per Hour: 15,000 at low levels, up to 50,000+ at 99.
  • AFK Factor: Upper level (72 Mining) veins last 15–30 seconds.
  • Profit: Ores (Coal to Runite) and Golden Nuggets for Prospector Kit.

Tip: Use a Skills Necklace to teleport to the Mining Guild entrance for quick access.

Amethyst Mining (Level 92+)

For high-level players, Amethyst Mining is a profitable and semi-AFK option exclusive to the Mining Guild.

  • Location: Mining Guild (Falador).
  • XP Per Hour: 20,000–25,000.
  • AFK Factor: Each crystal takes 30–60 seconds to mine.
  • Profit: 300,000–400,000 GP/hour crafting into dart tips.

Tip: Bring a chisel to craft Amethyst into stackable items and avoid banking.

Shooting Stars (Level 10+)

Also available to P2P players, Shooting Stars shine brighter with access to better pickaxes and boosts.

  • Location: Global, check community callouts.
  • XP Per Hour: Up to 30,000 with high levels and Crystal Pickaxe.
  • AFK Factor: 7-minute mining windows.
  • Profit: Stardust rewards scale with effort.

Tip: Wear the Prospector Kit for bonus XP while mining stars.

Salt Mining in Weiss (Level 72+)

After completing Making Friends with My Arm, mine salts in the Weiss Salt Mine for a unique AFK experience.

  • Location: Salt Mine under Weiss.
  • XP Per Hour: 20,000–30,000.
  • AFK Factor: Salt rocks rarely deplete, stackable loot.
  • Profit: Salts sell for decent GP, no banking needed.

Tip: Use a Crystal Pickaxe for maximum efficiency.

Tips to Optimize Your AFK Mining Experience

To get the most out of these methods, a few tweaks can make a big difference. Here’s how to level up smarter.

Minimize Clicks with Smart Positioning

Stand where you can mine multiple rocks without moving—like the 3-rock triangle in Al Kharid for early levels or clustered veins in Motherlode Mine. Fewer movements mean more AFK time.

Stackable Loot for Zero Banking

Methods like Amethyst (with a chisel) and Salt Mining produce stackable items, letting you stay in one spot indefinitely. This is a game-changer for true AFK training.

Use Boosts Strategically

Time your Dragon or Crystal Pickaxe special attacks (+3 Mining boost) for tougher rocks, and pair with the Mining Guild’s +7 invisible boost for maximum efficiency.

Track Progress with RuneLite

The RuneLite plugin offers XP trackers and timers for rock depletion, helping you plan your AFK intervals without guesswork.

Conclusion: Start Mining AFK Today

AFK Mining in OSRS is a fantastic way to level up without the grind. From Rune Essence for beginners to Amethyst for endgame players, there’s a method for every level and playstyle. Equip your best pickaxe, grab some boosts, and pick a spot that suits your goals—whether it’s XP, profit, or pure relaxation. With this guide, you’re set to mine smarter, not harder, in 2025. Which method will you try first? Drop your thoughts below and happy mining!