OSRS Money Making Mining: Best Methods to Earn Gold in 2025
Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) might not be the flashiest skill, but it’s a reliable way to stack up gold while you train. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) newbie or a pay-to-play (P2P) veteran, there are plenty of money-making mining methods to explore. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best OSRS money-making mining strategies for 2025, balancing profit, experience, and effort. From low-level grinds to high-level hauls, here’s how to turn rocks into riches.
Mining isn’t just about smashing rocks—it’s a steady gold mine if you know where to swing your pickaxe. Unlike combat or flipping on the Grand Exchange, mining offers predictable profits with minimal startup costs. All you need is a pickaxe, some patience, and the right spot. Plus, with recent updates to mining mechanics and new content, it’s more rewarding than ever in 2025.
Benefits of Mining for Gold
- Low Investment: No expensive gear required—just a pickaxe and some time.
- Scalable Profits: Higher levels unlock better ores and bigger payouts.
- AFK Options: Some methods let you earn gold with minimal clicking.
- Skill Synergy: Pairs well with Smithing for extra profit potential.
What You’ll Need to Start
Before you dive in, grab a decent pickaxe (Rune for F2P, Dragon or Crystal for P2P), and consider boosts like Varrock Armour or the Celestial Ring. Your mining level will dictate your options, so let’s break it down by level and method.
Low-Level Mining Money Makers (Levels 1-40)
For beginners or F2P players, early mining can still put gold in your pouch. These methods are simple, accessible, and perfect for building a bankroll to buy that first bond.
Mining Iron Ore (Level 15+)
Iron ore is the bread and butter of low-level mining. It’s fast to mine, respawns quickly, and sells decently on the Grand Exchange.
- Location: Al Kharid Mine or Mining Guild (P2P).
- Profit: ~100k-150k GP/hour in F2P, slightly more in P2P with boosts.
- Tip: Power mine (drop ores) for XP, or bank them for profit.
Gem Mining in Shilo Village (Level 40+, P2P)
Once you hit 40 Mining and complete the Shilo Village quest, gem rocks become a gem—pun intended. With Karamja Gloves 3 (Hard Diary), you can access the underground mine for better profits.
- Location: Shilo Village underground gem mine.
- Profit: ~200k-300k GP/hour.
- Tip: Use a gem bag (from Motherlode Mine) to save inventory space.
Mid-Level Mining Money Makers (Levels 40-75)
Mid-tier mining opens up more profitable ores and methods. These options balance XP and gold, making them ideal for players looking to level up while earning.
Motherlode Mine (Level 30+, P2P)
The Motherlode Mine is a fan favorite for its AFK-friendly nature and decent payouts. You clean pay-dirt for a mix of ores, including gold and mithril.
- Location: Falador, beneath the Mining Guild.
- Profit: ~200k-400k GP/hour (scales with level).
- Bonus: Earn golden nuggets for the Prospector Kit (+2.5% XP boost).
Blast Mine (Level 43+, P2P)
Blast Mine is click-intensive but rewarding. You use dynamite to blast ores 10 levels above your current mining level, unlocking runite early.
- Location: Lovakengj, Kourend.
- Profit: ~400k-800k GP/hour (at 75+ Mining).
- Requirements: 100% Lovakengj favor, dynamite, chisel, tinderbox.
- Tip: Wear Graceful gear to manage run energy.
High-Level Mining Money Makers (Levels 75+)
High-level mining is where the real gold flows. These methods require more skill and effort but offer some of the best hourly rates in OSRS.
Runite Ore Mining (Level 85+)
Runite is the king of ores for profit. It’s slow to mine and highly contested, but the payout is worth it.
- Location: Mining Guild (P2P) or Wilderness (F2P).
- Profit: ~500k-1M GP/hour (P2P, world-hopping).
- Tip: Use Varrock Armour 4 and Superior Mining Gloves for efficiency.
In F2P, the Wilderness runite rocks (north of Lava Maze) can net ~300k-500k GP/hour, but bring light gear and watch for PKers.
Amethyst Mining (Level 92+, P2P)
Amethyst is the ultimate AFK money maker. Found only in the Mining Guild, it’s slow XP but steady gold.
- Location: Mining Guild.
- Profit: ~300k-450k GP/hour.
- Tip: Pair with Expert Mining Gloves to reduce rock depletion.
Zalcano (Level 70+, P2P)
Zalcano is a group boss that blends mining with combat for massive profits. You mine her rock form, smelt ores, and chuck them at her for loot.
- Location: Prifddinas (Song of the Elves quest).
- Profit: ~1M-2M GP/hour (with good teams).
- Requirements: 70 Mining, pickaxe, teamwork.
- Bonus: Chance at Crystal Tool Seeds and pet drops.
Comparing OSRS Mining Money Making Methods
Not sure which method suits you? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide based on level, effort, and profit.
| Method | Min. Level | Profit (GP/hr) | Effort | F2P/P2P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore | 15 | 100k-150k | Low | Both |
| Gem Mining | 40 | 200k-300k | Medium | P2P |
| Motherlode Mine | 30 | 200k-400k | Low | P2P |
| Blast Mine | 43 (75 rec.) | 400k-800k | High | P2P |
| Runite Ore | 85 | 500k-1M | Medium | Both |
| Amethyst | 92 | 300k-450k | Low | P2P |
| Zalcano | 70 | 1M-2M | High | P2P |
How to Choose the Right Method
- Low Time Commitment? Go for Motherlode or Amethyst.
- Max Profit? Zalcano or Runite with world-hopping.
- F2P Only? Stick to Iron or Runite in the Wilderness.
Tips to Maximize Your Mining Profits in 2025
To squeeze every last coin out of your mining sessions, use these pro tips tailored for OSRS in 2025.
Boost Your Mining Efficiency
- Celestial Ring/Signet: +4 invisible boost and 10% chance for extra ore.
- Varrock Armour: 10% chance to double ores (up to your tier’s limit).
- Superior/Expert Mining Gloves: Reduce rock depletion for longer AFK mining.
Optimize Your Setup
Upgrade to a Dragon or Crystal Pickaxe for faster mining. In P2P, the Prospector Kit (from Motherlode Mine) adds a 2.5% XP boost, indirectly speeding up your grind to higher-profit ores. For Blast Mine, stamina potions and a charged Ring of Endurance keep you going.
Stay Updated on Market Trends
Ore prices fluctuate on the Grand Exchange. Check GE Tracker or the in-game exchange before selling—holding onto ores like runite or amethyst until prices spike can net you extra gold.
Combine Mining with Other Skills
Smelt your ores into bars or craft gems into jewelry for added value. High Alchemy can also turn surplus items into quick cash, especially for Ironmen or players with Magic levels.
Mining in OSRS isn’t the fastest way to millions, but it’s a dependable, low-risk path to wealth. Whether you’re chilling at the Motherlode Mine or blasting runite in Kourend, there’s a method for every playstyle and level. Pick your spot, swing that pickaxe, and watch your bank grow in 2025!