Best Place to Train Mining in Old School RuneScape

Mining is a core skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that allows players to gather ores and gems, which can be used for Smithing, Crafting, or sold for profit. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a pay-to-play (P2P) member, choosing the right location and method can make your journey to level 99 Mining faster and more enjoyable. This guide explores the best places to train Mining in OSRS, covering strategies for all levels, from beginners to advanced players, with tips to maximize experience rates and profitability.

Mining is a versatile skill that supports other skills like Smithing and Crafting, and it’s a key requirement for quests and achievement diaries. High Mining levels unlock access to valuable ores like runite, which can generate significant gold. Additionally, Mining is essential for Ironman accounts aiming for self-sufficiency. By training efficiently, you can save time and make the grind less tedious, whether you’re powermining for XP or banking ores for profit.

Best Places for Free-to-Play Mining

F2P players have fewer options, but several locations stand out for efficient Mining training. Below are the top spots and methods tailored for F2P players.

Lumbridge Swamp Mine (Levels 1–15)

The Lumbridge Swamp Mine is ideal for beginners due to its accessibility and abundance of copper and tin rocks. Each ore grants 17.5 XP, and you’ll need to mine about 138 ores to reach level 15. This spot is less crowded than the Varrock East Mine, making it easier to find a quiet world. For a nostalgic touch, smelt your ores at the nearby Lumbridge smithy.

• Pros: Close to starting area, plentiful rocks, low competition.
• Cons: Limited to low-level ores, minimal profit.

Al Kharid Mine (Levels 15–99)

From level 15, the Al Kharid Mine is the best F2P spot for powermining iron ores, which yield 35 XP each. The northern part of the mine has three iron rocks in a triangle, allowing you to mine continuously without moving if you use a rune pickaxe (level 41 Mining). Dropping ores maximizes XP rates, reaching up to 50,000 XP per hour at higher levels. For profit, consider mining gold at the Rimmington Mine, though it’s slower.

• Pros: High XP rates, efficient layout for powermining.
• Cons: Click-intensive, low profit from iron.

Mining Guild (Levels 70–99)

At level 70, the Mining Guild in Falador becomes the top F2P spot for mining adamantite rocks, which give 95 XP each. The guild has two adamantite rocks, and hopping worlds is faster than waiting for respawns. Bank your ores at the east Falador bank for profit or drop them for XP. Runite mining at the Lava Maze in the Wilderness is highly profitable (125 XP per ore) but risky due to PKers.

• Pros: Access to high-level ores, decent XP and profit.
• Cons: High level requirement, Wilderness risks for runite.

Top Pay-to-Play Mining Locations

P2P players have access to more diverse and efficient training methods, including unique mines and minigames. Here are the best places for members to train Mining.

Motherlode Mine (Levels 30–99)

Located in the Dwarven Mines, the Motherlode Mine is a low-effort, AFK-friendly option starting at level 30. Players mine pay-dirt, deposit it into a hopper, and collect cleaned ores from a sack. At level 72, the upper level becomes accessible, boosting XP rates to around 40,000–50,000 per hour. Golden nuggets earned here can be traded for the Prospector kit, which grants a 2.5% XP boost.

• Pros: AFK-friendly, profitable, rewards Prospector kit.
• Cons: Slower XP than powermining, requires level 30.

Mining Guild (Levels 60–99)

The P2P section of the Mining Guild, accessible at level 60, offers an invisible +7 Mining boost and halved rock respawn times, making it ideal for iron ore powermining. XP rates can reach 60,000–70,000 per hour with a dragon pickaxe. The guild also has runite and amethyst rocks for high-level players, with amethyst mining (level 92) yielding up to 20,000 XP per hour and decent profit.

• Pros: Fast respawns, Mining boost, variety of ores.
• Cons: High competition for runite, level 60 requirement.

Volcanic Mine (Levels 50–99)

The Volcanic Mine minigame in Lovakengj, available at level 50, offers up to 75,000 XP per hour with a good team on World 23. Players mine a large rock in a hazardous environment, earning stackable ore fragments. This method is click-intensive but highly rewarding for both XP and fun. Completing the minigame requires 100% Lovakengj favor.

• Pros: High XP rates, engaging gameplay, team-based.
• Cons: Requires coordination, dangerous environment.

AFK and Alternative Training Methods

For players seeking less click-intensive options, AFK methods provide a balance between effort and XP. These are great for multitasking or casual play.

Shooting Stars (Levels 1–99)

Shooting Stars, part of the Distraction and Diversion, allow players to mine crashed stars for low-effort XP (8,000–13,000 per hour at level 70). Each star tier can be mined for seven minutes without interaction. Join the Star Miners Discord or use Runelite plugins to locate stars, as F2P worlds make finding them harder. Rewards include stardust for boosts and items.

• Pros: Extremely AFK, accessible at all levels.
• Cons: Low XP rates, requires star location tools.

Ruins of Camdozaal (Levels 1–99)

Unlocked after the Below Ice Mountain quest, the Ruins of Camdozaal offer AFK mining of barronite shards (16 XP each) and deposits (32 XP each). With the Charm of Mining and Charm of Boost from Ramarno’s Shard Exchange, XP rates reach 18,000–20,000 per hour at level 75. This is a great alternative to rune essence mining for F2P players.

• Pros: AFK-friendly, F2P accessible, reward shop.
• Cons: Slower than powermining, quest requirement.

Tips for Efficient Mining Training

To optimize your Mining grind, consider these strategies to boost XP rates and reduce fatigue.

Upgrade Your Pickaxe

Always use the highest-tier pickaxe available for your Mining level, from bronze to dragon (level 61). Higher-tier pickaxes reduce the time per mining cycle, increasing XP and ore yield. For P2P players, the infernal pickaxe (level 85 Smithing) can combust ores for passive Smithing XP.

Use XP Boosts

Equip the Prospector kit (P2P) for a 2.5% XP boost and Varrock armour (P2P, from Varrock Diary) for a 10% chance to mine double ores. Mining gloves from the Mining Guild prevent rock depletion, improving efficiency for high-level ores like runite.

Try Tick Manipulation

For advanced players, 3-tick mining at iron rocks (e.g., Legends’ Guild or Isle of Souls) can nearly double XP rates to over 100,000 per hour. This involves starting a 3-tick action (like using a knife on teak logs) to cancel the mining animation, allowing faster clicks. It’s click-intensive and requires practice.

Mining Training Roadmap

Here’s a summarized roadmap for leveling Mining from 1 to 99, combining F2P and P2P methods for flexibility.

Level Range	Location/Method	XP Per Hour	Notes
1–15	Lumbridge Swamp Mine (Copper/Tin)	5,000–10,000	Complete Doric’s Quest for 1,300 XP.
15–60	Al Kharid Mine (Iron)	30,000–50,000	Powermine for XP; use triangle formation.
30–99	Motherlode Mine	40,000–50,000	AFK, profitable; upper level at 72.
60–99	Mining Guild (Iron/Amethyst)	60,000–70,000	+7 Mining boost; amethyst at 92.
50–99	Volcanic Mine	72,000–75,000	Team-based, requires Lovakengj favor.

Training Mining in OSRS can be a grind, but with the right locations and strategies, you can make it efficient and rewarding. Whether you prefer the high XP rates of the Mining Guild, the AFK nature of the Motherlode Mine, or the team-based fun of the Volcanic Mine, there’s a method for every playstyle. Start with accessible spots like Lumbridge Swamp for F2P or dive into P2P options for faster progress. Equip the best pickaxe, leverage XP boosts, and consider tick manipulation for maximum efficiency. Happy mining, and may your pickaxe strike true!