1 to 99 Mining Guide for OSRS

1 to 99 Mining Guide for OSRS

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fundamental skill that unlocks valuable resources, profitable opportunities, and essential progression for both casual players and dedicated Ironmen. This comprehensive guide outlines the fastest, most AFK-friendly, and profitable methods to train Mining from level 1 to 99, catering to free-to-play (F2P), pay-to-play (P2P), and Ironman accounts. Whether you’re powermining for speed, chilling at the Motherlode Mine, or chasing profits, we’ve got you covered with detailed strategies, experience rates, and tips to optimize your grind.

Mining isn’t just about clicking rocks—it’s a gateway to crafting, smithing, and earning gold. High Mining levels unlock access to rare ores, gems, and activities like the Blast Mine and Zalcano, which offer both experience and profit. Plus, Mining is relatively low-effort compared to other skills, with many methods allowing you to semi-AFK while training.

Benefits of High Mining Levels

  • Access to High-Value Ores: Mine Runite, Amethyst, and Gem Rocks for profit.
  • Quest and Diary Requirements: Unlock key content like the Mining Guild and Achievement Diaries.
  • Ironman Viability: Gather ores and sandstone for crafting and smithing.
  • Passive Income: Activities like Motherlode Mine and Blast Mine generate consistent gold.

XP Boosts and Equipment

To maximize your Mining efficiency, equip the right gear and use boosts. Here’s what you need:

  • Prospector’s Outfit: Obtained from Motherlode Mine, provides a 2.5% XP boost.
  • Mining Gloves: Increase AFK time at certain locations like the Mining Guild.
  • Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight for powermining, improving stamina.
  • Pickaxes: Use the highest-tier pickaxe available (e.g., Dragon or Crystal at high levels).
  • Celestial Ring: Offers a 4% Mining XP boost when charged.

Low-Level Mining (Levels 1–30)

OSRS 199 Mining Guide NovaMMO

Starting your Mining journey is straightforward, with accessible methods for both F2P and P2P players. The goal is to hit level 30 quickly to unlock the Motherlode Mine, a popular AFK spot.

Questing for Early Levels

Quests are the fastest way to skip the early grind. Completing these quests grants enough XP to reach level 15–20 instantly:

Copper and Tin Mining (F2P)

For F2P players or those skipping quests, mine Copper or Tin at the Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock South-East Mine. These ores give 17.5 XP each, with rates of 15,000–20,000 XP per hour. Drop ores to powermine for speed or bank them for Smithing.

Iron Ore Powermining (Levels 15–30)

At level 15, switch to Iron Ore at the Ardougne Monastery or Al Kharid Mine. Iron provides 35 XP per ore, yielding 30,000–40,000 XP per hour when powermining. Use the Graceful Outfit and Stamina Potions to maintain run energy. Drop ores as you mine to maximize XP rates.

Fastest Mining Methods (Levels 30–99)

OSRS 199 Mining Guide NovaMMO

For players aiming to hit 99 Mining as quickly as possible, these methods prioritize XP per hour. They require more effort but significantly reduce training time.

Motherlode Mine (Levels 30–65)

Unlocked at level 30, the Motherlode Mine (located near Falador) is a semi-AFK method offering 20,000–40,000 XP per hour. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it into the hopper, and collect cleaned ores for Smithing or profit. At level 30, expect around 25,000 XP per hour, increasing to 40,000 by level 60. Use Mining Gloves for longer AFK periods and save Golden Nuggets for the Prospector’s Outfit.

Volcanic Mine (Levels 50–99)

The Volcanic Mine minigame on Fossil Island is the fastest non-tick manipulation method, offering 60,000–85,000 XP per hour at higher levels. It requires 50 Mining, 40 Prayer, and 70+ Hitpoints. Join the Volcanic Mine Discord for team coordination and import Runelite Tile Markers for optimal routes. Expect 165 hours to reach 99 Mining using this method exclusively.

Zalcano (Levels 70–99)

Zalcano, a group boss in Prifddinas, provides 55,000–100,000 XP per hour when toggling off loot at Rhiannon. It’s accessible at level 70 Mining and scales well to 99, with a chance at the Zalcano pet. Form groups of 2–5 players for efficiency. This method is ideal for P2P players seeking both XP and fun.

3-Tick Iron Mining (Levels 15–45)

For advanced players, 3-tick mining Iron Ore at specific 4-rock locations (e.g., Al Kharid) yields 30,000–50,000 XP per hour between levels 15 and 45. This tick manipulation technique requires precise clicks and Runelite plugins but cuts training time significantly. It’s the fastest method for low levels before transitioning to Volcanic Mine or Zalcano.

AFK Mining Methods (Levels 30–99)

If you prefer a relaxed approach, these AFK methods let you train Mining with minimal effort, perfect for multitasking or casual play.

Shooting Stars (Levels 10–99)

Shooting Stars are the most AFK-friendly method, offering 25,000–35,000 XP per hour. Locate stars via the in-game Shooting Stars friends chat or the Star Miners map on Runelite. Mine a star for up to 7 minutes per layer, then move to the next. This method scales to level 99 and is popular for its low effort. Use a Skills Necklace to teleport near star locations.

Amethyst Mining (Levels 92–99)

At level 92, Amethyst in the Mining Guild offers 20,000–25,000 XP per hour with long AFK periods. Amethyst crystals are profitable, fetching 400–500 GP each, making this a great choice for Ironmen or players seeking passive income. Equip Mining Gloves to extend AFK time.

Motherlode Mine Upper Level (Levels 65–99)

After unlocking the upper level of the Motherlode Mine (100 Golden Nuggets), XP rates improve to 40,000–50,000 per hour. This area is more AFK-friendly than the lower level, with larger ore veins. Stay here until 99 if you prioritize ease over speed.

Profitable and Ironman-Friendly Methods

Mining can be a goldmine (literally) while also supporting Ironman accounts. These methods balance XP, profit, and resource gathering.

Blast Mine (Levels 43–99)

The Blast Mine in Lovakengj requires 43 Mining and 100% Lovakengj favor. It offers 30,000–50,000 XP per hour and profits of 300,000–600,000 GP per hour by mining high-value ores like Runite. Use Dynamite and follow a pattern to avoid explosions. This is ideal for P2P players seeking both XP and cash.

Sandstone Mining (Levels 35–99)

Sandstone in the Kharidian Desert Quarry is a must for Ironmen, providing 2,000 buckets of sand per hour for Crafting training. XP rates reach 45,000 per hour at high levels. Mine in the north-east section for optimal efficiency. This method is less profitable but essential for glassblowing.

Gem Rocks (Levels 40–99)

Gem Rocks in Shilo Village or the Lunar Isle mine offer 20,000–30,000 XP per hour and valuable gems for Crafting. Expect 100–200 gems per hour, worth 100,000–300,000 GP. This is a solid choice for Ironmen and players wanting a mix of XP and profit.

Runite Mining (Levels 85–99)

Runite Ore is the most profitable Mining method, with ores selling for 10,000–12,000 GP each. Mine in high-level areas like the Wilderness or Fossil Island. XP rates are low (10,000–15,000 per hour), but profits can exceed 500,000 GP per hour. Use Varrock Armour for a chance at double ores.

Method Level XP/Hour Profit/Hour AFK Level
Iron Powermining 15–70 30,000–60,000 Negligible Low
Motherlode Mine 30–99 20,000–50,000 50,000–150,000 GP Medium
Volcanic Mine 50–99 60,000–85,000 Variable High
Shooting Stars 10–99 25,000–35,000 Low Very High
Blast Mine 43–99 30,000–50,000 300,000–600,000 GP Medium

With these methods, reaching 99 Mining in OSRS is achievable for any playstyle. For the fastest route, combine 3-tick Iron, Volcanic Mine, and Zalcano. For AFK training, stick to Shooting Stars or Motherlode Mine. Ironmen should prioritize Sandstone and Gem Rocks for resources, while profit-seekers can focus on Blast Mine or Runite. Equip the Prospector’s Outfit, use Runelite plugins, and join relevant Discord servers to streamline your journey. Happy mining!