Best OSRS Coal Mining Spots: Top Locations for Efficient Coal Gathering

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), coal is a cornerstone resource for players looking to level up their Smithing skill or make some in-game gold. Whether you’re smelting steel bars or crafting higher-tier items, finding the best coal mining spots can save you time and effort. This guide dives into the top locations for mining coal in OSRS, covering both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) options. From accessibility to efficiency, we’ll explore why these spots stand out and how you can maximize your coal haul. Let’s get started!

Coal isn’t just another ore in OSRS—it’s a vital ingredient for smelting bars like steel, mithril, adamant, and rune. With a Mining level requirement of 30, it’s accessible to mid-level players, offering 50 Mining XP per ore. Beyond its utility, coal mining can be a decent money-maker, especially for F2P players. Knowing the best spots ensures you’re not wasting time hopping between worlds or running long distances to bank your haul.

Coal’s Role in Smithing

Without coal, your Smithing journey stalls after iron. It’s the secondary ingredient that powers the creation of most metal bars, making it a high-demand resource across Gielinor. Efficient coal mining spots can help you stockpile this essential ore quickly.

Mining XP and Profit Potential

At 50 XP per coal, mining this ore is a solid way to train your Mining skill. Plus, with coal prices fluctuating on the Grand Exchange, a good spot can turn your efforts into profit. The key? Picking locations with plenty of rocks and nearby banking options.

Top F2P Coal Mining Spots

For free-to-play players, coal mining options are limited but still effective. These spots balance rock availability with banking convenience, making them ideal for F2P adventurers.

Mining Guild (F2P Section)

Location: Beneath Falador
Requirements: 60 Mining
Coal Rocks: 37

The Mining Guild’s F2P section is hands-down the best spot for coal in free-to-play. With 37 coal rocks and a bank right inside, you can mine and deposit without leaving the area. The catch? You need 60 Mining to enter. If you’re close to that level, grab a Dwarven Stout from Falador’s Rising Sun Inn for a temporary +1 boost. The guild’s +7 invisible Mining boost and reduced respawn timers make it a coal-mining powerhouse.

Barbarian Village Mine

Location: West of Varrock
Requirements: None
Coal Rocks: 4

For lower-level players, the Barbarian Village Mine is a beginner-friendly option. It’s got 4 coal rocks and is a short walk from the Edgeville bank. While it’s not as rock-dense as the Mining Guild, its proximity to a bank and lack of level requirements make it a solid early-game choice. Watch out for the occasional player competition, though!

Wilderness Coal Mine

Location: Level 9 Wilderness, north of Edgeville
Requirements: None
Coal Rocks: 34

Risk-takers rejoice! The Wilderness Coal Mine boasts 34 coal rocks, rivaling the Mining Guild’s density. It’s just north of Edgeville, so banking isn’t a slog. However, it’s in level 9 Wilderness, meaning PKers and aggressive skeletons could interrupt your mining. Bring only what you’re willing to lose, and consider world-hopping to avoid trouble.

Top P2P Coal Mining Spots

Pay-to-play players unlock a broader range of coal mining locations, often with unique perks like storage options or AFK-friendly mechanics. Here are the cream of the crop.

Motherlode Mine

Location: Dwarven Mine, beneath Falador
Requirements: 30 Mining
Coal Yield: Variable (from pay-dirt)

The Motherlode Mine is a P2P favorite for coal and other ores. Instead of mining coal rocks directly, you extract pay-dirt from ore veins, which the central machine processes into random ores—coal being the most common. At level 72, the upper level unlocks, making it more AFK-friendly. You can also grab a coal bag here (100 golden nuggets) to store an extra 27 coal per inventory. The nearby bank chest seals the deal for efficiency.

Coal Trucks

Location: North of Seers’ Village
Requirements: None (20 Agility recommended)Coal Rocks: 18

The Coal Trucks area is a classic P2P spot with 18 coal rocks and a unique twist: minecarts that hold up to 120 coal (more with Kandarin Diary progress). Mine your coal, load it into the carts, and retrieve it near Seers’ Village bank. The 20 Agility shortcut (log balance) cuts travel time significantly, making this a low-effort, high-reward option.

Ardougne Monastery Mine

Location: South of Ardougne
Requirements: Ardougne Cloak 1 (optional)Coal Rocks: 12

This spot offers 12 coal rocks and a quiet mining experience, often overlooked by players. Pair it with an Ardougne Cloak (from the Easy Diary) and a Ring of Dueling for teleports, and you’ve got a smooth mining-to-banking loop. It’s not the densest spot, but the lack of crowds makes it a hidden gem for P2P miners.

Tips for Efficient Coal Mining

Choosing the right spot is half the battle—optimizing your approach takes it to the next level. Here’s how to maximize your coal mining efficiency in OSRS.

Gear Up for Success

• Pickaxe: Use the best pickaxe your level allows—Rune at 41 Mining, Dragon at 61 (P2P).
• Prospector Kit: Boosts Mining XP by up to 2.5% (Motherlode Mine reward).
• Mining Gloves: Available in the Mining Guild; they reduce coal rock depletion chances.
• Coal Bag: Holds 27 extra coal (P2P, Motherlode Mine).

Banking Strategies

Minimize travel time with these tricks:

• Teleportation: Use jewelry like the Amulet of Glory or Ring of Dueling for quick bank trips.
• Deposit Boxes: The Mining Guild’s deposit box is a game-changer for F2P.
• World Hopping: Switch worlds if rocks are contested or respawn timers feel slow.

AFK vs. Active Mining

For AFK players, Motherlode Mine (upper level) or Coal Trucks shine. Active miners should stick to the Mining Guild or Wilderness Coal Mine for faster XP and coal per hour. Match your playstyle to the spot!

Comparing the Best Coal Mining Spots

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the perfect spot for your needs:

Location	F2P/P2P	Coal Rocks	Level Req.	Bank Proximity	Unique Perks
Mining Guild	F2P	37	60 Mining	Inside	+7 Mining boost
Barbarian Village	F2P	4	None	Short walk	Beginner-friendly
Wilderness Coal Mine	F2P	34	None	Nearby	High risk, high density
Motherlode Mine	P2P	Variable	30 Mining	Nearby	AFK, coal bag
Coal Trucks	P2P	18	None	Moderate	Minecarts store coal
Ardougne Monastery	P2P	12	None	Teleport needed	Low competition

Which Spot Suits You?

F2P players with 60 Mining should head to the Mining Guild. Newbies can start at Barbarian Village, while risk-takers might brave the Wilderness. P2P players can’t go wrong with Motherlode Mine for AFK gains or Coal Trucks for a chill, cart-based system. Ardougne’s a sleeper hit for those who value peace and quiet.

Final Thoughts on OSRS Coal Mining

Coal mining in OSRS is more than just clicking rocks—it’s about finding the right spot for your goals, whether that’s XP, profit, or a relaxed grind. The Mining Guild and Motherlode Mine top the list for their sheer efficiency, while Coal Trucks and Barbarian Village offer unique charm. Wherever you mine, gear up, plan your banking, and enjoy the haul. Got a favorite spot we missed? Let us know—happy mining!