Mining 1 to 99 OSRS Guide

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 profit. Achieving level 99 Mining is a significant milestone, requiring dedication, strategy, and efficient methods. This comprehensive guide outlines the fastest and most effective ways to train Mining from level 1 to 99, including tips for free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players, profitable methods, and AFK options. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will help you reach your Mining goals.

Before diving into the grind, understanding the fundamentals of Mining is essential. You’ll need a pickaxe, which can be purchased from NPC shops or the Grand Exchange, and access to mining locations. The higher your Mining level, the better pickaxes you can use, which speeds up ore extraction.

Choosing the Right Pickaxe

Your pickaxe determines how quickly you mine ores. Here’s a breakdown of pickaxes available:

• Bronze Pickaxe: Level 1 Mining, slowest.
• Iron Pickaxe: Level 1 Mining, slightly faster.
• Steel Pickaxe: Level 6 Mining, good for early levels.
• Mithril Pickaxe: Level 21 Mining, decent mid-tier.
• Adamant Pickaxe: Level 31 Mining, faster for mid-levels.
• Rune Pickaxe: Level 41 Mining, best for F2P and early P2P.
• Dragon Pickaxe: Level 61 Mining, P2P, fastest (requires questing).

Upgrading your pickaxe as soon as you meet the level requirement is crucial for efficiency.

Early Mining Locations

Start in beginner-friendly mines with low-level ores like copper and tin. Recommended spots include:

• Lumbridge Swamp Mine: Copper and tin, close to a bank.
• Varrock South-East Mine: Copper, tin, and iron, ideal for F2P.
• Al Kharid Mine: Variety of ores, including iron and silver.

Fastest Methods for Levels 1 to 99

The fastest path to 99 Mining involves a combination of questing, power mining, and high-experience methods like the Motherlode Mine and Volcanic Mine. Below is a level-by-level breakdown.

Levels 1–15: Copper and Tin

Mine copper or tin at the Lumbridge Swamp Mine or Varrock South-East Mine. Each ore grants 17.5 XP, and you’ll need around 2,411 XP to reach level 15. Drop the ores (power mining) to maximize XP per hour, yielding approximately 15,000–20,000 XP/hour.

Levels 15–30: Iron Ore

Switch to iron ore at the Varrock South-East Mine or Al Kharid Mine. Iron grants 35 XP per ore and is faster than copper or tin. Power mine by dropping ores, achieving 30,000–40,000 XP/hour. You’ll need about 13,363 XP to hit level 30.

Levels 30–70: Motherlode Mine (P2P)

Unlock the Motherlode Mine in Falador (requires 30 Mining) for a semi-AFK method. Mine pay-dirt (60 XP each), clean it at the water circuit, and bank the ores for profit or Smithing. XP rates range from 20,000–50,000 XP/hour, depending on your pickaxe and Mining level. You’ll need approximately 737,627 XP to reach level 70.

Levels 70–99: Volcanic Mine or Amethyst

For the fastest XP, consider the Volcanic Mine (P2P, requires 50 Mining but best at 70+). This group activity offers 60,000–80,000 XP/hour with good coordination. Alternatively, mine amethyst in the Mining Guild (requires 92 Mining) for 20,000–25,000 XP/hour and high profit. Reaching level 99 requires 12,034,431 XP from level 70.

Profitable Mining Methods

Mining can be a lucrative skill, especially with high-level ores and gems. Below are the best methods for making money while training.

Gem Mining (Levels 40+)

With a gem bag (from the Motherlode Mine shop), mine gems at the Shilo Village mine or Al Kharid gem rocks. Gems yield 65 XP each and can be sold or used for Crafting. Expect 20,000–30,000 XP/hour and moderate profit.

Runite Ore (Levels 85+)

Mine runite rocks in high-level areas like the Wilderness or Mourner Tunnels. Each runite ore grants 125 XP and sells for high prices on the Grand Exchange. XP rates are low (10,000–15,000 XP/hour), but profits can exceed 500,000 GP/hour in safe areas.

Amethyst Mining (Levels 92+)

Amethyst in the Mining Guild offers 240 XP per crystal and is highly profitable, with prices around 3,000–4,000 GP each. This method balances XP (20,000–25,000 XP/hour) and profit (up to 300,000 GP/hour).

Method	Level Required	XP/Hour	Profit/Hour (GP)
Gem Mining	40	20,000–30,000	100,000–200,000
Runite Ore	85	10,000–15,000	500,000+
Amethyst	92	20,000–25,000	200,000–300,000

AFK and Low-Effort Training

For players who prefer a relaxed approach, AFK methods allow you to train Mining with minimal input. These are ideal for multitasking or casual play.

Motherlode Mine (Levels 30–99)

As mentioned, the Motherlode Mine is semi-AFK. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it, and wait for the cleaning process. This method is low-effort and offers decent XP (20,000–50,000 XP/hour) and profit from ores like coal and gold.

Shooting Stars (Levels 10–99)

Locate shooting stars via player-organized groups or world-hopping. Mine stardust for 25–30 XP per piece, with XP rates of 15,000–25,000 XP/hour. This method is very AFK and provides rewards like the Celestial Ring, which boosts Mining XP.

Clay Mining (F2P, Levels 1–99)

For F2P players, mining clay in the West Varrock Mine is a low-effort option. Clay grants 5 XP per ore but is fast to mine, offering 15,000–20,000 XP/hour. It’s profitable for low-level players, as clay is used in Crafting.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Mining

Maximize your Mining efficiency with these strategies to save time and boost XP or profit.

Complete Mining-Related Quests

Quests provide early XP and unlock useful areas or items. Recommended quests include:

• Doric’s Quest: 1,300 XP, quick for F2P.
• The Dig Site: 15,300 XP, unlocks Fossil Island.
• Song of the Elves: Access to amethyst mining (requires high stats).

Use Mining Boosts

Equip items like the Mining Gloves (from the Mining Guild) or the Celestial Ring for XP or speed boosts. The Prospector Kit (from Motherlode Mine) grants a 2.5% XP bonus when fully equipped.

Join Mining Communities

For methods like the Volcanic Mine or Shooting Stars, join OSRS Discord servers or clans to coordinate with other players. This increases efficiency and makes training more enjoyable.

Bank or Drop Ores Strategically

Power mine (drop ores) for maximum XP or bank valuable ores like runite or amethyst for profit. Use teleports like the Falador Teleport for quick banking near the Motherlode Mine.

Reaching 99 Mining in OSRS is a rewarding journey that combines strategy, patience, and resource management. Whether you prioritize speed with the Volcanic Mine, profit with amethyst, or a relaxed approach with Shooting Stars, this guide provides a clear path to success. Start mining today, upgrade your pickaxe, and work toward that coveted Mining Skillcape!