Best Mining Money Making Methods in OSRS for 2025

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a skill that combines patience with profit potential. While often considered tedious, it can be a goldmine (pun intended) for players willing to put in the effort. This guide explores the most profitable mining methods in 2025, tailored for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players. Whether you’re a low-level newbie or a seasoned miner, these strategies will help you maximize your gold per hour (GP/H) while training your Mining skill. Let’s dig into the best ways to make money through mining!

Zalcano, introduced with the Song of the Elves quest, is the crown jewel of mining money-making in OSRS. This boss combines group-based combat with mining, offering high profits and moderate experience rates. It’s a P2P method requiring 70 Mining and completion of the Song of the Elves quest, but the rewards are worth it.

How Zalcano Works

In the Trahaearn Mine, players mine rock formations, smelt ores, imbue them at an altar, and throw them at Zalcano to deal damage. The player with the best performance gets an enhanced drop, including a chance at the Crystal Tool Seed or even a pet. Profits come from large stacks of ores, bars, and occasional high-value drops like Runite.

Requirements and Gear

• Mining Level: 70 (higher levels improve efficiency)
• Quest: Song of the Elves
• Gear: Dragon or Crystal Pickaxe, Varrock Armour 4 (for double ore chance), Prospector Kit (for XP boost)
• Optional: Stamina potions, Graceful Outfit for faster movement

Profit: Up to 2M GP/H, though XP is lower at around 15K per hour.

Tips for Success

Use tick manipulation to maximize mining speed, and join populated worlds for faster kills. Be prepared for competition, as top performers get better loot. Check Grand Exchange prices before selling to ensure maximum profit.

Runite Ore Mining: High Risk, High Reward

Mining Runite Ore is a classic P2P money-making method, ideal for high-level miners. Runite rocks are scarce and highly contested, but their value makes them lucrative. This method requires 85 Mining and often involves world-hopping to find available rocks.

Best Locations for Runite

• Trahaearn Mine: Unlocked after Song of the Elves, offers multiple rocks and lower competition.
• Mourner Tunnels: Requires Mourning’s End Part II, good for solo mining.
• Wilderness (Lava Maze): Risky but viable for F2P players, though PKers are a threat.

Profit: Approximately 698K GP/H with 8K XP/H in P2P worlds. F2P profits are lower due to competition.

Optimizing Runite Mining

Equip Varrock Armour 4 for a 10% chance to mine double ores, and use a Dragon or Crystal Pickaxe for faster mining. In the Wilderness, bring minimal gear to reduce risk. World-hopping is essential, especially in crowded areas.

Gem Mining in Shilo Village

Gem mining in Shilo Village is a low-requirement, high-profit P2P method. It’s click-intensive but offers excellent XP and GP for mid-level players. The underground mine, accessible with Karamja Gloves 3, is key to maximizing profits.

Setup and Requirements

• Mining Level: 40 (61+ recommended for better gems)
• Quest: Shilo Village
• Items: Karamja Gloves 3 or 4, Gem Bag, Dragon or Crystal Pickaxe, Amulet of Glory

Profit: Around 450K GP/H with 61K XP/H.

Why It’s Great

The underground mine has a bank deposit box, making banking quick. Gems like opals, sapphires, and diamonds sell well on the Grand Exchange. Use a Gem Bag to extend trips and reduce banking time.

Amethyst Mining: AFK and Profitable

Amethyst mining is a P2P method perfect for players seeking an AFK-friendly approach. Found in the Mining Guild, Amethyst crystals require 92 Mining but offer steady profits and moderate XP.

How to Mine Amethyst

Mine Amethyst crystals in the Mining Guild’s southeast or west areas. You can craft Amethyst into bolt tips, arrow tips, or javelin heads for stackable items, reducing banking needs. Use Varrock Armour 4 and Expert Mining Gloves to prevent crystal depletion.

Requirements and Profits

• Mining Level: 92
• Quest: Elite Falador Diary (to access Amethyst area)
• Gear: Varrock Armour 4, Expert Mining Gloves, Crystal Pickaxe

Profit: 250K–350K GP/H, with 21.6K XP/H.

AFK Advantage

Amethyst crystals don’t deplete quickly, allowing for longer mining sessions with minimal input. Crafting Amethyst into items increases profit but requires a chisel and additional effort.

Motherlode Mine: Balanced XP and Profit

The Motherlode Mine is a P2P favorite for its balance of XP and profit. It’s less click-intensive than other methods and accessible at lower levels, making it ideal for newer players.

How It Works

Mine pay-dirt, clean it in the hopper, and collect ores like coal, mithril, and adamantite. Golden nuggets earned can be traded for the Prospector Kit, which boosts XP. The upper level (unlocked at 72 Mining with 100 nuggets) increases efficiency.

Requirements and Setup

• Mining Level: 30 (55+ recommended, 72 for upper level)
• Items: Best pickaxe available, Prospector Kit, Falador Diary rewards for shortcuts

Profit: Around 320K GP/H with 42.9K XP/H at higher levels.

Tips for Efficiency

Complete the Falador Medium Diary for a shortcut (54 Agility required) and the Elite Diary for better ore yields. Use the best pickaxe (Dragon or Crystal) to speed up mining. Banking is optional, as nuggets and ores stack up over time.

Comparing Mining Methods

Choosing the right method depends on your Mining level, playstyle, and whether you’re F2P or P2P. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Mining Level	Profit (GP/H)	XP/H	P2P/F2P	Intensity
Zalcano	70	Up to 2M	15K	P2P	High
Runite Ore	85	698K	8K	P2P/F2P	Moderate
Gem Mining	40 (61+ recommended)	450K	61K	P2P	High
Amethyst	92	250K–350K	21.6K	P2P	Low (AFK)
Motherlode Mine	30 (55+ recommended)	320K	42.9K	P2P	Low

Final Tips for Maximizing Profits

• Check Grand Exchange Prices: Ore and gem prices fluctuate, so always verify current market rates.
• Use Boosts: Varrock Armour, Prospector Kit, and Expert Mining Gloves significantly increase efficiency.
• Quest Up: Completing quests like Song of the Elves or Shilo Village unlocks high-profit methods.
• World-Hop Strategically: For Runite and gems, hop to less crowded worlds to avoid competition.
• Balance XP and Profit: If training is a priority, prioritize Motherlode Mine or gem mining over Zalcano.

Mining in OSRS is more than just clicking rocks—it’s a strategic way to build wealth while leveling up. Whether you’re battling Zalcano for millions or AFKing at the Motherlode Mine, there’s a method for every player. Start with what suits your level and playstyle, and watch your bank grow!