Best Mining Training in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Level 99

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most essential yet grind-heavy skills. Whether you’re chasing that coveted level 99 Mining cape, gathering resources for Smithing, or looking to make some serious GP, this guide will walk you through the best Mining training methods in OSRS. From low-level starts to high-level efficiency, we’ve got you covered with fast, AFK, and profitable options. Let’s dig in and explore how to master Mining in 2025!

Mining isn’t just about clicking rocks—it’s a gateway to wealth, crafting, and end-game content. High Mining levels unlock profitable ores like Runite and Amethyst, while also being crucial for raids like Chambers of Xeric and Tombs of Amascut. Plus, with the right methods, you can turn this click-intensive skill into a rewarding journey. Here’s why Mining matters:

• Wealth Generation: Ores and gems can net you millions of GP.
• Skill Synergy: Fuels Smithing and Crafting for gear and jewelry.
• Quest & Raid Utility: Essential for key quests and bossing.

Essential Gear for Mining Success

Before you start swinging your pickaxe, gear up properly. The right tools can drastically boost your XP rates and efficiency. Here’s what you need:

• Pickaxes: Always use the best pickaxe available—Bronze (Level 1), Iron (Level 1), Steel (Level 6), Mithril (Level 21), Adamant (Level 31), Rune (Level 41), Dragon (Level 61), or Crystal (Level 71).
• Prospector Kit: Earned from Motherlode Mine, this gives a 2.5% XP boost.
• Celestial Ring: A +4 invisible Mining boost from Shooting Stars stardust.
• Varrock Armour: Chance to mine double ores (up to Runite with Varrock Armour 4).

Fastest Mining Training Methods

If speed is your goal, these methods will get you to 99 Mining as quickly as possible. They’re click-intensive but offer the highest XP rates in the game.

Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin Power Mining

Start your Mining journey by power mining Copper or Tin rocks. Drop the ores to maximize XP—banking slows you down at this stage. The Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock South-East mines are great spots due to their accessibility.

• XP Per Ore: 17.5
• Time to Level 15: ~15 minutes (138 ores)
• Pro Tip: Upgrade to a Steel Pickaxe at Level 6 for faster mining.

Levels 15-45: Iron Power Mining

Once you hit Level 15, switch to Iron rocks. The best setup is a three-rock triangle spot—like the Al Kharid Mine—where you can mine non-stop by dropping ores. With a Rune Pickaxe (Level 41), this becomes even faster.

• XP Per Ore: 35
• XP Per Hour: Up to 50,000 at Level 41+
• Best Location: Al Kharid Mine (F2P-friendly) or Legends’ Guild Mine (P2P).

Levels 45-99: 3-Tick Granite Mining

At Level 45, unlock the fastest Mining XP in OSRS with 3-tick Granite mining at the Bandit Camp Quarry in the Kharidian Desert. This method uses tick manipulation (e.g., with tar or herbs) to mine Granite blocks at an accelerated rate. It’s intense but unrivaled for speed.

• XP Per Hour: 90,000–115,000
• Requirements: Desert access, high focus, and a good mouse.
• Pro Tip: Wear Desert Robes to manage heat and bring Waterskins.

Best AFK Mining Training Methods

Not everyone wants to sweat over tick manipulation. These AFK methods let you train Mining with minimal effort, perfect for multitasking or a laid-back playstyle.

Levels 30-99: Motherlode Mine

The Motherlode Mine (MLM) is a fan-favorite AFK spot starting at Level 30. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it in the hopper, and collect cleaned ores from the sack. At Level 72, unlock the upper level for even more AFK time.

• XP Per Hour: 30,000–53,000 (increases with level)
• Bonuses: Golden Nuggets for Prospector Kit, decent profit from ores.
• Location: Below Falador, near the Mining Guild.

Levels 60-99: Volcanic Mine

For P2P players, the Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island offers solid XP with low effort in a team setting. Mine the boulder, stabilize vents, and enjoy a semi-AFK experience. It’s less click-intensive than power mining but requires coordination.

• XP Per Hour: 65,000–85,000
• Requirements: Level 50 Mining, 150 Kudos, team play.
• Pro Tip: Join a Volcanic Mine Discord for efficient runs.

Levels 10-99: Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars are the ultimate AFK method. Find a crashed star (via telescope or community callouts), mine it for 7-minute intervals per tier, and repeat. It’s slow but requires almost no attention.

• XP Per Hour: 20,000–30,000
• Bonuses: Stardust for Celestial Ring and soft clay packs.
• Tip: Use world-hopping or Star Miners chat to locate stars.

Profitable Mining Training Methods

Why not make some GP while you train? These methods balance XP with profit, ideal for players who want to fund their OSRS adventures.

Levels 40-99: Gem Rocks

After completing the Hard Karamja Diary, mine Gem Rocks in Shilo Village’s underground mine. Bank the gems for profit or use them for Crafting XP. With tick manipulation, this can rival faster methods.

• XP Per Hour: 40,000–60,000
• Profit: 600,000–800,000 GP/hour
• Requirements: Gem Bag, Karamja Hard Diary.

Levels 70-99: Blast Mine

The Blast Mine in Lovakengj combines decent XP with great profit. Mine dynamite-ready rocks, blast them, and collect high-value ores like Mithril and Runite. It’s moderately AFK and lucrative.

• XP Per Hour: 50,000–60,000
• Profit: 600,000–1,000,000 GP/hour
• Requirements: 100% Lovakengj favor, Level 43 Firemaking.

Levels 85-99: Runite Mining

Runite is the king of profit. Mine Runite rocks, hop worlds to avoid respawn timers, and bank the ores. It’s slow XP-wise but a goldmine for GP.

• XP Per Ore: 125
• Profit: 1,000,000+ GP/hour
• Best Spots: Fossil Island, Wilderness Resource Area (risky).

F2P vs. P2P Mining Training Comparison

Whether you’re free-to-play or a member, Mining offers viable paths to 99. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for each:

Aspect	F2P	P2P
Fastest Method	Iron Power Mining (50,000 XP/hr)	3-Tick Granite (115,000 XP/hr)
AFK Method	Shooting Stars (20,000 XP/hr)	Motherlode Mine (53,000 XP/hr)
Profitable Method	Runite Mining (slow XP)	Gem Rocks (600k–800k GP/hr)
Max Pickaxe	Rune (Level 41)	Crystal (Level 71)

F2P Tips

For F2P players, stick to Iron power mining until Level 85, then switch to Runite for profit. Complete Doric’s Quest for a free 1,300 XP boost to jumpstart your journey.

P2P Advantages

Members unlock a world of options—Motherlode Mine, Volcanic Mine, and tick manipulation make P2P training faster and more varied. Quests like The Dig Site (15,300 XP) also help skip early levels.

Tips to Optimize Your Mining Training

Maximize your efficiency with these pro tips:

• Quest Early: Doric’s Quest, Plague City, and The Dig Site give 18,000+ XP combined.
• Tick Manipulation: Master 3-tick mining for Granite or Gems to double XP rates.
• Boosts: Use Dragon/Crystal Pickaxe special attacks for a temporary +3 Mining boost.
• Inventory Management: Enable shift-click dropping for faster power mining.
• Community Help: Join Discord groups for Shooting Stars or Volcanic Mine runs.

With these methods and tips, you’re ready to tackle Mining in OSRS. Whether you’re after speed, profit, or a chill AFK grind, there’s a path for you. Grab your pickaxe, hit the mines, and work your way to that 99 Mining cape—happy mining!