1 to 99 Mining OSRS Ultimate Guide

1 to 99 Mining OSRS Ultimate Guide

Mining in Old School RuneScape has always been one of those skills that can feel like a grind, but man, once you hit those higher levels, it opens up so much. As someone who’s maxed multiple accounts, I can tell you from personal experience that getting to 99 Mining isn’t just about the cape – it’s about unlocking raids, making bank, and feeling that satisfaction when you finally mine that runite ore without bots stealing it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from level 1 to 99, sharing the fastest ways, profitable spots, AFK methods, and some tips I’ve picked up over years of playing. We’ll cover equipment, quests, locations, and more. Let’s dive right in.

Ever wondered why Mining is worth the effort? For starters, it’s key for end-game content like Chambers of Xeric or Tombs of Amascut, where you need at least 85 to deal decent damage. Plus, quests like Song of the Elves demand 70 Mining, and the achievement diary cape wants 85. But honestly, the real draw for me was the profit. Back when I was grinding my first 99, I made millions from blast mining, which paid for my gear upgrades. If you’re an Ironman, Mining is essential for ores to smith your own stuff. And for regular players? It’s a steady money-maker without too much risk.

What about the time investment? Well, the fastest paths can get you there in around 130 hours with tick manipulation, or 180-200 without it. AFK routes might take longer, but they’re perfect if you’re multitasking, like watching Netflix. I used to AFK at Motherlode Mine while studying – saved my sanity.

Essential Equipment for Mining Success

You can’t mine without the right tools, right? The pickaxe is your best friend here. Start with bronze if you’re fresh, but upgrade as soon as you can. Higher tiers mean faster mining cycles – from 8 ticks on bronze down to 3 on rune.

Best Pickaxes by Level

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Bronze Pickaxe: Level 1, super slow, but free from shops.
• Iron Pickaxe: Level 1 Mining, 5 ticks – grab one early.
• Steel Pickaxe: Level 6, better speed.
• Mithril Pickaxe: Level 21, solid mid-game.
• Adamant Pickaxe: Level 31, starts feeling quick.
• Rune Pickaxe: Level 41, 3 ticks – a game-changer.
• Dragon Pickaxe: Level 61, special attack boosts Mining by +3.
• Crystal Pickaxe: Level 71, best for high-level, needs Song of the Elves.
• Infernal Pickaxe: Level 61, smelts ores passively for Smithing XP.

Don’t forget boosts like the Celestial Ring for +4 invisible levels, or Varrock Armour for double ores. I always wore the prospector’s outfit for that 2.5% XP bonus – took me about 15 hours at Motherlode to get it, but worth every nugget.

As for outfits, the prospector kit is king for XP. And if you’re in the desert, grab waterskins or Desert Amulet to beat the heat.

Quests to Jumpstart Your Levels

Quests are the smartest way to skip the boring early grind. I did this on my main and saved hours. Complete a few, and you’ll hit level 37 fast.

Total from easy ones? About 27,525 XP. Ironmen, mine those ores yourself or pickpocket for pickaxes.

Levels 1-15: The Basics

Starting out? Mine copper and tin. Simple as that.

Head to Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock mines. These spots are quiet, and you can bank nearby if you want ores for Smithing. At level 1, you’re looking at 15-20k XP per hour dropping ores. I remember my first account – I powered through this in under an hour, dropping everything to focus on levels.

Is it worth banking? Only if you’re low on cash and need bronze bars. Otherwise, drop and grind.

For a twist, try 3-tick mining if you’re feeling advanced. Use herb and tar to manipulate ticks – doubles your XP to over 100k/hour even early on. But honestly, for most, stick to normal powermining.

Levels 15-45: Iron Ore Power

Now things pick up. Iron ore is your go-to for fast XP.

Best spots? Al Kharid mine or the Mining Guild at 60, but for now, try the three-rock triangle in Legends’ Guild or Isle of Souls. Mine, drop, repeat. Without tricks, 45-55k XP/hour.

I once spent a whole weekend here on an alt, hitting 70 before I knew it. The key is finding a world with no competition – hop if bots show up.

What if you want profit? Bank the iron for Smithing, but it slows you down. For Ironmen, this is prime for cannonballs later.

Upgrade to mithril pickaxe around 21. And if you have Varrock Armour 1, enjoy that 10% double ore chance.

One long stretch I had was mining iron while chatting with clan mates. Made the time fly. But watch your clicks – misclicks waste ticks.

Tick Manipulation Intro

Heard of 3-tick 4 iron? It’s intense but rewarding. At Isle of Souls, use kebbit vambraces or teak logs to reset your animation. XP jumps to 30k at low levels, up to 60k later. Practice in a quiet spot first – I messed up a lot at the start, but once you get the rhythm, it’s addictive.

Levels 45-70: Granite and Beyond

Granite time! This is where the REAL grind begins if you’re going fast.

In the Quarry south of Bandit Camp, mine granite with 3-tick method for up to 120-134k XP/hour at high levels. You need desert protection – waterskins or amulet. Without ticks, it’s still 60k/hour.

My personal fave? I did 3t4g (3-tick 4 granite) for hours, listening to podcasts. It’s sweaty, but nothing beats that XP rate. Bring stamina pots to run less.

Alternatives? Motherlode Mine from 30. AFK veins, clean pay-dirt, bank ores. Around 40-50k XP/hour, and you get golden nuggets for prospector gear.

For profit, try gem rocks in Shilo Village after Karamja medium diary. 3-tick for 110k XP, plus gems sell well.

Levels 70-99: Endgame Methods

Congrats, you’re in the big leagues. Options explode here.

Fastest Routes

Stick with 3-tick granite for pure speed – 125k XP/hour average. Or volcanic mine on Fossil Island: team up for 80-105k XP/hour, plus volcanic ash for Herblore.

I maxed Mining at volcanic mine – the minigame feel kept it fresh, and I made friends along the way.

Blast mine from 43 is profitable: use dynamite on walls for ores. 60-70k XP, but 500k-1m GP/hour. Needs 100% Lovakengj favor.

Profitable Paths

Runite rocks for big bucks. At level 85, mine in Wilderness or Myths’ Guild. 10-20k XP/hour, but 1-2m GP if lucky with spawns.

Amethyst in Mining Guild: 20-25k XP, but crystals sell for profit. Use expert gloves to avoid depletion.

Zalcano boss: 70 Mining, team fights for 50-80k XP and loot like seeds, bars. I farmed this for tomes – great for Magic too.

AFK Options

Shooting stars: Find via telescope or Discord, mine for 30k XP/hour. Stardust buys rings or clay.

Calcified rocks in Cam Torum: After Perilous Moons quest, 50-90k XP with low effort. Blessed shards for Prayer.

Motherlode upper level at 72: 50-60k XP, super chill.

I AFKed stars during work calls – minimal input, steady gains.

Ironman Specific Tips

As an Ironman vet, Mining is crucial. Powermine iron for Smithing, or do Motherlode for coal bags. Avoid Wilderness runite unless geared. Quests are a must – I rushed Dig Site early.

For tools, smith your own pickaxes or get from drops. Volcanic mine gives ash for pots.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Want to optimize? Use dragon pick special for +3 boost on tough rocks. Join CCs like “Star Miners” for star calls.

Stamina pots everywhere – saves run energy. And world hop for empty spots.

Common mistake? Ignoring diaries. Varrock elite for double ores is huge.

How long to 99? Depends. I did it in 150 hours mixing methods. Track with RuneLite for motivation.

Ever get burnt out? Switch methods. I alternated blast mine for cash with AFK stars.

One thing I learned the hard way: Protect from heat in desert, or you’ll die quick.

Boosting Your Mining Level

Need a temp boost? Dragon pick spec, or dwarven stout for +1. Celestial ring‘s +4 is passive gold.

For diaries, like Falador hard for Motherlode shortcut.

Wrapping Up Your Mining Journey

Getting to 99 Mining in OSRS is tough, but rewarding. Whether you’re powermining granite like a pro or AFKing at stars, pick what fits your style. From my experiences, mixing it up keeps it fun – don’t burn out on one spot.

What’s your plan? Fast or profit? Drop a comment if you have questions. Happy mining!

Remember, updates happen, so check wiki for changes. But this should get you to that cape. Grind on.