Best Places to Mine Tin and Copper in OSRS

Best Places to Mine Tin and Copper in OSRS

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining tin and copper is one of the first steps for new players looking to level up their Mining and Smithing skills. These low-tier ores, requiring only level 1 Mining, are essential for crafting bronze bars, which are used in early-game Smithing. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member (P2P), choosing the right mining spot can save time and boost efficiency. This guide explores the best places to mine tin and copper in OSRS, covering optimal locations for both F2P and P2P players, tips for maximizing experience, and strategies to make your mining sessions profitable.

Tin and copper ores are the backbone of early-game progression in OSRS. Here’s why they matter:

  • Accessibility: Both require only level 1 Mining, making them perfect for beginners.
  • Experience: Each ore mined grants 17.5 Mining experience, helping you progress to level 15 for iron ore.
  • Smithing Synergy: Combining tin and copper in a furnace creates bronze bars, which yield 6.2 Smithing experience per bar.
  • Profit Potential: Bronze bars sell for more than individual ores, offering decent early-game gold for new players.

However, not all mining spots are equal. Proximity to banks, the number of rocks, and bot competition can make or break your mining efficiency. Let’s dive into the top locations for both F2P and P2P players.

Best Tin and Copper Mining Spots for F2P Players

Free-to-play players have fewer options, but several mines stand out for their accessibility and banking convenience. Below are the best F2P locations for mining tin and copper.

South-East Varrock Mine

The South-East Varrock Mine is a top choice for F2P players due to its proximity to Varrock East Bank and the Grand Exchange. This mine is ideal for players who want to bank their ores or sell them quickly.

  • Rocks: 9 copper, 4 tin
  • Banking: Varrock East Bank is a short walk north, taking about 30 seconds.
  • Pros: Close to the Grand Exchange for selling ores or bars; relatively low bot activity on less crowded worlds.
  • Cons: Can be busy on popular worlds, requiring world-hopping.

Tip: Use the Varrock lodestone for faster travel if you’ve unlocked it. Mine 14 tin and 14 copper (wielding your pickaxe to free up inventory space) to smelt into bronze bars for optimal experience.

Rimmington Mine

Located northeast of Rimmington, this mine is another solid F2P option, especially for players who prefer a quieter spot.

  • Rocks: 5 copper, 2 tin
  • Banking: The closest bank is the deposit box at Port Sarim, about a 1-minute walk.
  • Pros: Less crowded than Varrock; no aggressive monsters.
  • Cons: Fewer rocks and a longer banking trip compared to Varrock.

Tip: If you’re on a free world, watch out for bots at the Port Sarim deposit box. Consider smelting your ores in Lumbridge for a nostalgic Smithing session.

East Lumbridge Swamp Mine

The East Lumbridge Swamp Mine is a nostalgic spot, perfect for new players starting their OSRS journey after Tutorial Island.

  • Rocks: 5 copper, 5 tin
  • Banking: Lumbridge Castle Bank is a 2-minute walk north.
  • Pros: High concentration of low-level ores; scenic and quiet.
  • Cons: Long banking distance makes it less efficient for power-mining.

Tip: Use the nearby furnace in Lumbridge to smelt bronze bars, saving travel time if you’re training Smithing alongside Mining.

Best Tin and Copper Mining Spots for P2P Players

Members have access to superior mining locations with faster banking and fewer competitors. The following spots are the best for P2P players looking to mine tin and copper efficiently.

Port Khazard Mine

The Port Khazard Mine is the best place to mine copper and tin in OSRS for members, thanks to its two fast-respawning copper rocks and proximity to a bank deposit box.

  • Rocks: 2 copper, 1 tin
  • Banking: Bank deposit box just southwest, a 5-second walk.
  • Pros: Fastest banking in the game for copper; minimal bot presence.
  • Cons: Limited tin rocks, so focus on copper if power-mining.

Tip: Teleport to the Kandarin Monastery with an Ardougne Cloak or use the Fishing Trawler minigame teleport to reach Port Khazard quickly. This spot is ideal for power-leveling Mining to level 15.

West Falador Mine

The West Falador Mine is a great alternative for members, especially those with level 5 Agility for the shortcut to the bank.

  • Rocks: 2 copper, 3 tin
  • Banking: Falador West Bank via a level 5 Agility shortcut, about 20 seconds away.
  • Pros: Close to a bank for members with Agility; more tin rocks than Port Khazard.
  • Cons: Requires Agility training; slightly slower than Port Khazard.

Tip: Use a Falador teleport or the Falador lodestone to get to the mine quickly. Mine both tin and copper to balance your inventory for smelting.

Tips for Efficient Tin and Copper Mining

To maximize your mining efficiency and experience gains, follow these strategies:

Upgrade Your Pickaxe

Use the highest-tier pickaxe available for your Mining level (up to steel at level 6). Higher-tier pickaxes mine ores faster, increasing your experience per hour.

Power-Mining vs. Banking

If you’re focused on Mining experience, consider power-mining (dropping ores instead of banking). For profit, bank your ores and smelt them into bronze bars, which sell for more on the Grand Exchange.

Avoid Bots

F2P worlds can be crowded with bots, especially at popular spots like Varrock. Hop to less populated worlds or stick to P2P locations like Port Khazard to minimize competition.

Quest for Smithing Boosts

Complete The Knight’s Sword quest to jump from level 1 to 29 Smithing, reducing the need to mine excessive tin and copper for Smithing experience.

Comparing Mining Locations

Choosing the right spot depends on your membership status, goals, and access to teleports. Here’s a comparison of the top locations:

Location Membership Copper Rocks Tin Rocks Banking Time Best For
South-East Varrock F2P 9 4 ~30 sec Banking, Profit
Rimmington F2P 5 2 ~1 min Quiet Mining
East Lumbridge Swamp F2P 5 5 ~2 min Smithing Nearby
Port Khazard P2P 2 1 ~5 sec Power-Mining
West Falador P2P 2 3 ~20 sec Balanced Mining

Maximizing Profit from Tin and Copper

While tin and copper mining isn’t the most lucrative activity, you can still make decent gold as a new player. Here’s how:

Smelt Bronze Bars

Smelting 14 tin and 14 copper into 14 bronze bars is more profitable than selling raw ores. Use a furnace in Lumbridge, Al Kharid, or Burthorpe for quick access.

Sell at the Grand Exchange

Bank your ores at Varrock or Port Khazard and sell bronze bars at the Grand Exchange. Check current prices, as bronze bars often fetch higher margins than individual ores.

Consider Iron at Level 15

Once you hit level 15 Mining, switch to iron ore for faster experience and better profits. Iron rocks are abundant in the Al Kharid Mine and the Mining Guild.

By choosing the right mining spot and strategy, you can make your tin and copper mining sessions in OSRS both efficient and rewarding. For F2P players, South-East Varrock Mine offers the best balance of banking and ore availability. For P2P players, Port Khazard Mine is unmatched for its speed and convenience. Happy mining, and may your pickaxe swing true!