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Best OSRS Mining Money Making Guide 2025
Hey, OSRS players! Want to stack millions of gold pieces with your pickaxe? Mining is one of the best skills to make money in Old School RuneScape, whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) newbie or a maxed-out member chasing big profits. In this guide, we’ll break down the best OSRS Mining money-making methods for 2025, with profits up to 2.15M GP per hour. From smashing Zalcano to AFK amethyst mining, we’ve got you covered with every method, their requirements, and tips to boost your earnings. All data is adapted from the OSRS Wiki, rewritten to help you get started fast. Let’s mine some gold!
Why Mine for Money in OSRS?
Mining is awesome for making gold because it’s got something for everyone. Low-level players can mine iron ore for steady cash, while high-level players can tackle Zalcano for massive profits. Some methods are chill and AFK, others need focus but pay big. Plus, Mining works for both F2P and members, so you don’t need a fancy account to start. With profits ranging from 16K to 2.15M GP per hour, there’s a method for every skill level and playstyle.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- A table of all Mining money-making methods with profits and requirements.
- Detailed breakdowns of the top methods, including tips to maximize GP.
- General advice to make your Mining sessions more profitable.
Ready to fill your bank? Let’s dive into the best Mining money-making methods for 2025!
All Mining Money-Making Methods for 2025
Here’s a quick look at every Mining money-making method in OSRS, sorted by profit per hour. Use this table to find methods that match your skill level and goals. We’ve included F2P and members’ methods, with requirements to help you plan.
| Method | Profit/Hour (GP) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Zalcano | 2,150,000 | Mining 70+, Song of the Elves quest (Agility 70, Construction 70, Farming 70, Herblore 70, Hunter 70, Smithing 70, Woodcutting 70) |
| Mining basalt | 718,000 | Mining 72+ |
| Mining runite ore | 662,000 | Mining 85+ |
| Mining gemstones | 427,000 | Mining 40 (61+ recommended) |
| Mining and crushing infernal shale (Tick manipulation) | 414,000 | Mining 78+, Prayer 43+ recommended |
| Mining runite ore (free-to-play) | 408,000 | Mining 85+, Attack 40 (optional), Defence 40+ (optional), Magic 25 (optional) |
| Mining salts | 406,000 | Mining 72+ |
| Mining amethyst | 307,000 | Mining 92+ |
| Mining iron ore | 239,000 | Mining 15+ (60+ for Mining Guild) |
| Mining adamantite ore | 133,000 | Mining 70+ |
| Mining iron ore (free-to-play) | 72,000 | Mining 15+ (41+ for Rune pickaxe, 60+ for Mining Guild), Combat 13+ recommended |
| Mining clay | 61,000 | None |
| Mining coal and superheating Mithril bars | 54,000 | Mining 30+ (41+ for Rune pickaxe, 60 for Mining Guild), Smithing 50, Magic 43 |
| Mining coal and superheating Adamantite bars | 56,000 | Mining 30+ (41+ for Rune pickaxe, 60 for Mining Guild), Smithing 70, Magic 43 |
| Mining coal and superheating Runite bars | 80,000 | Mining 30+ (41+ for Rune pickaxe, 60 for Mining Guild), Smithing 85, Magic 43 |
| Mining iron and superheating Iron bars | 76,000 | Mining 15+ (41+ for Rune pickaxe), Smithing 15, Magic 43 |
| Mining gold ore (Crafting Guild) | 28,000 | Mining 40, Crafting 40 |
| Mining gold ore (free-to-play) | 16,000 | Mining 40, Combat 65+ recommended |
Note: Profits are based on 2025 Grand Exchange prices and may vary. Check the GE tracker before starting.
Top Mining Money-Making Methods Explained
Let’s break down the best Mining methods, starting with the highest earners. Each section includes what you need, how it works, and tips to make more gold.
Mining Zalcano (2.15M GP/Hour)
Zalcano is the king of Mining money-making, pulling in up to 2.15M GP per hour. It’s a group boss activity in Prifddinas where you mine Tephra, imbue it, and throw it at Zalcano to deal damage and earn loot like crystal shards, ores, and gems.
Requirements:
- Mining 70+
- Song of the Elves quest (needs Agility 70, Construction 70, Farming 70, Herblore 70, Hunter 70, Smithing 70, Woodcutting 70)
- Decent combat stats (70+ Attack, Strength, Defence) and gear for survivability
How It Works:
- Join a Zalcano world (like World 303 or 321).
- Mine Tephra from glowing rocks, imbue it at the altar, and throw it at Zalcano.
- When she’s down, mine her for big loot drops.
- Bank your loot and repeat.
Tips:
- Use a dragon pickaxe (or rune pickaxe if you don’t have one) for faster mining.
- Bring stamina potions to keep running between rocks and the altar.
- Wear lightweight gear like graceful to move faster.
- Join a clan or group for faster kills, as soloing is tough.
- Sell crystal shards or use them for divine potions to boost profits.
Why It’s Great: Zalcano’s high profit makes it worth the high requirements. It’s engaging and perfect for players with end-game stats.
Mining Basalt (718K GP/Hour)
Mining basalt in the Salt Mines is a solid mid-level method, earning 718K GP per hour. It’s less intense than Zalcano and great for players with moderate Mining levels.
Requirements:
- Mining 72+
How It Works:
- Head to the Camdozaal Mines (below Hosidius).
- Mine basalt rocks and bank them at the nearby deposit box.
- Sell the basalt on the Grand Exchange.
Tips:
- Use the Mining Guild teleport (Skills Necklace) for quick access.
- Equip a Mining cape (if 99 Mining) for a chance at extra ores.
- Bring a light source (like a candle) for the mines.
- Check GE prices, as basalt demand can spike with updates.
Why It’s Great: Basalt mining is straightforward and doesn’t need combat or quests, making it accessible for mid-level players.
Mining Runite Ore (662K GP/Hour)
Runite ore mining is a classic, bringing in 662K GP per hour. It works for both members and high-level F2P players, though members have more spots.
Requirements:
- Mining 85+
How It Works:
- Mine runite rocks in spots like the Mining Guild, Heroes’ Guild, or Wilderness.
- World-hop to find unmined rocks, as they respawn slowly.
- Bank and sell the ore on the GE.
Tips:
- Use a dragon pickaxe for faster mining (requires 60 Attack to wield).
- In the Wilderness, bring cheap gear to minimize risk (e.g., monk robes, rune pickaxe).
- Use the Mining Guild (60+ Mining) for more runite rocks and less competition.
- Check busy worlds to avoid PKers in the Wilderness.
Why It’s Great: Runite ore is always in demand, and F2P players can make good money without membership.
Mining Gemstones (427K GP/Hour)
Gemstone mining in Shilo Village yields 427K GP per hour and is great for players with moderate Mining levels.
Requirements:
- Mining 40 (61+ recommended for better rates)
- Shilo Village quest (requires Jungle Potion and 20 Crafting, 32 Agility)
How It Works:
- Go to the Shilo Village gem mine (use a gem bag to hold more).
- Mine gem rocks for opals, jades, and red topazes.
- Bank and sell on the GE or cut gems for extra profit (needs Crafting).
Tips:
- Get a gem bag from Prospector Percy (400 golden nuggets) to carry more gems.
- Use a Karamja teleport (glory or skills necklace) for quick access.
- If you have 61+ Mining, you’ll mine gems faster, boosting profits.
- Consider cutting gems if you have Crafting levels for even more GP.
Why It’s Great: It’s semi-AFK and offers decent profits for mid-level players, plus gems are fun to collect.
Mining Amethyst (307K GP/Hour)
Amethyst mining is the ultimate AFK method, earning 307K GP per hour. It’s perfect for players who want to chill while making gold.
Requirements:
- Mining 92+
How It Works:
- Head to the Mining Guild’s amethyst mine (Falador teleport, then enter guild).
- Mine amethyst crystals, which stack in your inventory.
- Bank and sell on the GE, or craft into bolt tips (needs 85 Crafting).
Tips:
- Use a Mining cape for extra efficiency if you’re 99 Mining.
- Bring a charged skills necklace for quick guild access.
- AFK for long sessions, as amethyst rocks don’t deplete fast.
- Check if crafting bolt tips is more profitable than selling raw amethyst.
Why It’s Great: Super AFK, no combat needed, and steady profits for high-level miners.
Mining Iron Ore (239K GP/Hour)
Iron ore mining is a great low-level method, earning 239K GP per hour for members and 72K for F2P. It’s perfect for beginners.
Requirements:
- Mining 15+ (60+ for Mining Guild)
- Combat 13+ recommended for F2P (to avoid scorpions)
How It Works:
- Mine iron rocks in spots like the Mining Guild, Al Kharid, or Varrock.
- Drop the ore (for F2P) or bank it (members) and sell on the GE.
Tips:
- Use the Mining Guild for more rocks and faster banking.
- Equip a rune pickaxe (41+ Mining) for quicker mining.
- For F2P, drop ore to save time instead of banking.
- World-hop in Al Kharid for less competition.
Why It’s Great: No quests needed, and it’s viable for F2P players starting out.
Mining Clay (61K GP/Hour)
Clay mining is the easiest method, requiring no skills and earning 61K GP per hour. It’s ideal for brand-new players.
Requirements:
- None
How It Works:
- Mine clay in the West Varrock mine or Crafting Guild.
- Bank at Varrock or Falador and sell on the GE.
Tips:
- Use a bracelet of clay (if you have 7 Crafting) to mine soft clay directly.
- Bank at Varrock West for quick trips.
- World-hop if the mine is crowded.
- Combine with humidifying clay (Magic 68) for extra profits.
Why It’s Great: Zero requirements make it perfect for new accounts or F2P.
Other Notable Methods
Here are quick overviews of other Mining methods for variety:
- Mining and Crushing Infernal Shale (Tick Manipulation, 414K GP/Hour): Mine shale in the Lovakengj Mine (78+ Mining), crush it, and sell. Needs Prayer 43+ for protection. Use tick manipulation for faster rates, but it’s click-intensive.
- Mining Salts (406K GP/Hour): Mine salts in the Camdozaal Mines (72+ Mining). Simple, semi-AFK, and decent profits.
- Mining Runite Ore (F2P, 408K GP/Hour): Same as members’ runite but in F2P spots like the Wilderness. Risky but rewarding.
- Mining Iron and Superheating Iron Bars (76K GP/Hour): Mine iron (15+ Mining), superheat into bars (Smithing 15, Magic 43). Great for training multiple skills.
- Mining Gold Ore (F2P, 16K GP/Hour): Mine gold in Al Kharid or Crafting Guild (40+ Mining). Low profit but easy for F2P.
Check the table above for full details on these and other methods like superheating mithril, adamantite, or runite bars.
Tips to Maximize Your Mining Profits
Want to squeeze every GP out of your Mining sessions? Try these:
- Get the Best Pickaxe: A dragon pickaxe (60 Attack) or crystal pickaxe (Song of the Elves) mines faster, saving time. Rune pickaxe (41+ Mining) works for budget setups.
- Use the Mining Guild: Unlocks at 60 Mining. It’s got more rocks, a bank deposit box, and less competition.
- Stamina Potions: Keep run energy up for methods like Zalcano or world-hopping for runite.
- Check GE Prices: Ore prices change daily. Use a GE tracker to pick the most profitable method.
- Go AFK with Amethyst: If you’re busy, mine amethyst for low-effort GP.
- Avoid PKers in Wilderness: For runite in the Wilderness, use low-risk gear and scout worlds for safety.
- Combine Skills: Methods like superheating bars level Mining, Smithing, and Magic at once, saving time.
- Join a Clan: For Zalcano, clans make kills faster and loot better. Check OSRS Discord or forums.
F2P vs. Members: Which Is Better?
- F2P: Iron ore (72K GP/hour) and runite ore (408K GP/hour) are your best bets. They’re simple but need patience due to competition and slower respawns. Clay (61K GP/hour) is great for newbies.
- Members: Zalcano (2.15M GP/hour), basalt (718K GP/hour), and amethyst (307K GP/hour) offer way higher profits. Quests and higher Mining levels unlock the best methods.
If you’re F2P, start with iron or clay and aim for membership to access Zalcano and amethyst for big gains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Checking Prices: Always verify ore prices on the GE before mining for hours.
- Ignoring Requirements: Don’t try Zalcano without Song of the Elves it’s a waste of time.
- Overloading in Wilderness: Bring minimal gear for runite to avoid losing big to PKers.
- Skipping Stamina Potions: Running out of energy slows you down in methods like Zalcano.
- Not World-Hopping: If rocks are mined out, switch worlds to keep profits high.
Conclusion
Mining is a goldmine (pun intended) for making money in OSRS, with methods for every player. Newbies can start with clay (61K GP/hour, no requirements), while veterans can bank 2.15M GP/hour with Zalcano. Use the table to pick a method that fits your level, and follow our tips to boost your profits. Whether you’re AFK mining amethyst or hopping worlds for runite, there’s a way to make your pickaxe pay off.
What’s your go-to Mining method? Drop a comment below and let us know! Want more ways to make gold? Check out our OSRS Runecrafting Money Making Guide or OSRS Combat Money Making Guide for other skills. Data accurate as of July 2025, adapted from the OSRS Wiki.
Happy mining, and may your bank be full of GP!
