OSRS Mining Fastest XP Guide for 2025

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be a grind, but with the right methods, you can skyrocket your XP gains and hit level 99 efficiently. This guide dives into the fastest XP methods for training Mining, optimized for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players. Whether you’re powermining iron or mastering tick manipulation, we’ll cover strategies, gear, and locations to maximize your Mining XP per hour. Let’s get swinging that pickaxe!

Mining isn’t just about gathering ores; it’s a gateway to profit, quests, and end-game content like the Tombs of Amascut. High Mining levels unlock profitable Runite ores and boost efficiency in raids. Plus, with recent updates like calcified rocks and the Mining Guild expansion, training has become faster and more engaging. Here’s why you should prioritize Mining:

• Profit Potential: Runite and Amethyst mining can net 300k–650k GP per hour.
• Quest Requirements: Quests like Song of the Elves need high Mining levels.
• Skilling Synergy: Pairs well with Smithing and Crafting for Ironman accounts.

Essential Gear for Fast Mining XP

Best Pickaxes for XP Efficiency

Your pickaxe determines mining speed, directly impacting XP rates. Higher-tier pickaxes reduce the tick interval for ore rolls, making them critical for fast training. Here’s a breakdown:

Pickaxe	Mining Level	Attack Level	Notes
Bronze	1	1	8-tick cycle, slowest.
Rune	41	40	3-tick default, viable for F2P.
Dragon	61	60	1/6 chance for 2-tick action.
Crystal	71	70	1/4 chance for 2-tick, best for P2P.
Infernal	61	60	Combusts ores for Smithing XP, reduces drops.

Tip: Use the Crystal Pickaxe for the fastest XP rates after completing Song of the Elves. Its 2-tick chance outperforms all others.

XP-Boosting Gear

Equipping the right gear can squeeze extra XP from every swing. Key items include:

• Varrock Armour: 10% chance to mine double ores (tier depends on Diary).
• Prospector Kit: 2.5% XP boost from Motherlode Mine (180 nuggets).
• Mining Gloves: Prevent ore depletion (Regular, Superior, Expert tiers).
• Celestial Ring/Signet: +4 Mining boost, 10% extra ore chance.

Note: Varrock Armour 1 is a must for iron mining, boosting XP by 10%.

Fastest Mining XP Methods by Level

Levels 1–15: Copper and Tin

Start your Mining journey with Copper or Tin ores, each granting 17.5 XP. The Lumbridge Swamp Mine is ideal due to low player traffic and no aggressive monsters. It takes about 15 minutes to hit level 15, mining roughly 138 ores. For F2P, try the South-east Varrock Mine, but expect crowds.

XP Rate: ~15k XP/hr with a Bronze Pickaxe.

Levels 15–45: Powermining Iron

From level 15, powermining Iron ore offers the fastest XP without tick manipulation. Drop ores immediately to avoid banking, focusing on three-rock triangle spots for zero travel time. Top locations include:

• Al Kharid Mine: Three iron rocks, but watch for scorpions.
• Mining Guild: Fast respawns, +7 invisible Mining boost (level 60+).
• Legends’ Guild Mine: Four rocks for tick manipulation.

XP Rate: 15k–60k XP/hr, scaling with level and pickaxe.

Pro Tip: Complete the Easy Varrock Diary for Varrock Armour 1 to boost XP by 10%.

Levels 45–99: 3-Tick 4 Granite (3t4g)

The absolute fastest Mining XP method is 3-tick 4 granite (3t4g) at the Bandit Camp Quarry in the Kharidian Desert. This click-intensive method uses tick manipulation to mine granite rocks every three ticks, requiring four rocks in close proximity. You’ll need swamp tar, a clean herb, or kebbit vambraces to start the 3-tick cycle.

How It Works:

1. Initiate a 3-tick action (e.g., use swamp tar on a herb).
2. Click a granite rock to mine.
3. Drop the granite and move to the next rock.
4. Repeat, maintaining the 3-tick rhythm.

XP Rates:

• Level 45: ~85k XP/hr
• Level 70: ~100k XP/hr
• Level 99: ~115k–130k XP/hr

Requirements: Desert heat protection (Desert Amulet 4 or waterskins), Crystal Pickaxe recommended, Varrock Armour 2 for 10% XP boost.

Caution: This method is physically demanding. Practice on lower-intensity methods first.

Alternative: 3-Tick 4 Iron (Levels 15–45)

For early levels, 3-tick 4 iron at spots like the Isle of Souls offers up to 30k XP/hr at level 15, doubling standard powermining rates. Use the same tick manipulation setup as granite, moving between four iron rocks. This method shines in specific locations with tightly packed rocks.

AFK and Alternative Methods

Motherlode Mine (Levels 30–99)

For a less click-intensive approach, Motherlode Mine (MLM) is a great AFK option. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it in the hopper, and collect ores from the sack. At level 72 with 100 golden nuggets, unlock the upper level for more AFK time.

XP Rates:

• Level 30: ~15k XP/hr
• Level 70: ~30k XP/hr
• Level 99: ~53k XP/hr

Benefits: Profitable (up to 300k GP/hr), Prospector Kit for 2.5% XP boost.

Amethyst Mining (Levels 92–99)

Amethyst in the Mining Guild is a low-effort, profitable method requiring level 92 Mining. It’s ideal for players seeking a relaxed grind. Each amethyst grants 240 XP, with rates of 19k–27k XP/hr depending on gear and focus.

Setup: Crystal Pickaxe, Varrock Armour 4, Expert Mining Gloves.

Profit: 300k–500k GP/hr crafting amethyst into javelins.

Blast Mine (Levels 75–99)

Blast Mine in Lovakengj (100% favor required) offers up to 55k XP/hr and 550k GP/hr using dynamite to blast ores. It’s less click-intensive than 3t4g but requires setup with a chisel and tinderbox.

Note: Best for players balancing XP and profit.

Tips to Optimize Your Mining XP

Master Tick Manipulation

Tick manipulation is the key to unlocking 100k+ XP/hr. Practice 3-tick cycles with low-level ores before tackling granite. Use lightweight items like swamp tar to minimize inventory clutter.

Complete Key Quests and Diaries

Quests like Doric’s Quest (1,300 XP) and The Dig Site (15,300 XP) can skip early levels. Varrock and Falador Diaries unlock XP-boosting gear and shortcuts.

Use the Mining Guild

The Mining Guild’s +7 invisible boost and fast respawns make it a hotspot for iron and amethyst mining. Teleport with a Skills Necklace for efficiency.

Manage Desert Heat

For granite mining, equip Desert Amulet 4 or bring waterskins. Alternatively, use a Hitpoints Cape and Regen Bracelet to outheal desert damage.

Final Thoughts: The fastest Mining XP in OSRS comes from 3-tick 4 granite, offering up to 130k XP/hr at level 99. For less intensity, Motherlode Mine and Amethyst provide solid AFK alternatives. Gear up with a Crystal Pickaxe, Varrock Armour, and Prospector Kit, and practice tick manipulation to crush the grind. Check out our OSRS Guide for more skilling tips, and happy mining!