Mining for Money OSRS – Best Methods to Make Gold in 2025

Mining for Money OSRS – Best Methods to Make Gold in 2025

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is more than just a skill to grind for experience; it’s a solid way to stack gold pieces (GP) while you train. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a pay-to-play (P2P) member, mining offers profitable opportunities that can fund your adventures in Gielinor. This guide dives into the best mining money-making methods in 2025, covering requirements, profits, and strategies to maximize your earnings. From AFK-friendly options to click-intensive hustles, we’ve got you covered.

Mining stands out as a profitable skill because it requires minimal investment—just a pickaxe—and offers access to valuable ores and gems that sell well on the Grand Exchange (GE). With no raw materials needed, it’s accessible for new players and veterans alike. However, profits depend on your mining level, gear, and method. High-level ores like Runite and Amethyst fetch top prices, while low-level methods like Iron mining can still yield decent GP for beginners.

Key Factors for Profitable Mining

  • Mining Level: Higher levels unlock better ores (e.g., Runite at 85, Amethyst at 92).
  • Pickaxe Quality: Use the best pickaxe available (Dragon or Crystal for P2P, Rune for F2P).
  • GE Prices: Ore and gem prices fluctuate, so check the GE before mining.
  • Location: Proximity to banks or deposit boxes boosts efficiency.
  • AFK vs. Active: Choose methods based on your playstyle—AFK for relaxed profits or active for higher GP per hour.

Top Mining Money-Making Methods for P2P Players

Pay-to-play players have access to the most lucrative mining methods, thanks to exclusive locations and ores. Below are the best P2P strategies, ranked by profitability, with requirements and estimated profits based on 2025 GE prices.

Mining Runite Ore

Profit: ~698K GP/hour | XP: ~8K/hour | Requirements: 85 Mining, Rune/Dragon Pickaxe

Runite ore is the king of mining profits in OSRS. Its high GE value makes it a top choice, but competition is fierce, and rocks deplete quickly. The Mining Guild, with its halved respawn timers (6 minutes vs. 12), is the best spot. World-hopping is essential to maximize ore collection.

  • Best Locations: Mining Guild, Trahaearn Mine (post-Song of the Elves).
  • Tips: Use a Dragon Pickaxe for faster mining. Check less-crowded worlds or off-peak hours.
  • Why It Works: Runite’s high demand for smithing and crafting ensures stable prices.

Defeating Zalcano

Profit: ~2M GP/hour | XP: ~15K/hour | Requirements: 70 Mining, Song of the Elves

Zalcano, a mining-based boss in Prifddinas, is the most profitable mining activity in OSRS. Players mine rocks, imbue ores, and throw them at the boss in groups. Top performers get enhanced loot, including Crystal Tool Seeds and Runite ores. It’s click-intensive and competitive, but the rewards are unmatched.

  • Best Gear: Crystal Pickaxe, Mining Gloves, Varrock Armour 4.
  • Tips: Use tick manipulation for faster mining. Join dedicated Zalcano worlds (e.g., World 323).
  • Why It Works: Large stacks of ores and bars, plus rare drops, drive massive profits.

Mining Amethyst

Profit: ~320K GP/hour | XP: ~21.6K/hour | Requirements: 92 Mining, Mining Guild Access

Amethyst mining in the Mining Guild is a fantastic AFK method. It’s less profitable than Runite or Zalcano but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for players who want to multitask. Amethyst is stable on the GE due to its use in crafting darts.

  • Best Gear: Expert Mining Gloves to prevent rock depletion, Dragon/Crystal Pickaxe.
  • Tips: Bank at the nearby deposit box for efficiency.
  • Why It Works: Low input and consistent prices make it a reliable earner.

Mining Gemstones

Profit: ~450K GP/hour | XP: ~61K/hour | Requirements: 40 Mining, Hard Karamja Diary, Shilo Village Quest

Mining gemstones in Shilo Village’s underground mine is a great mid-level option. With Karamja Gloves 3 or 4, you can access a bank deposit box, boosting efficiency. Gems like sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds sell well, and the method offers solid XP.

  • Best Gear: Gem Bag (stores 300 uncut gems), Dragon Pickaxe, Amulet of Glory.
  • Tips: World-hop if the mine is crowded. Use a Gem Bag to reduce banking trips.
  • Why It Works: High XP and decent profits make it a dual-purpose method.

Mining Basalt

Profit: ~502K GP/hour | XP: ~3.5K/hour | Requirements: Making Friends with My Arm Quest, 40 Mining

Basalt mining in the Weiss Salt Mine is a niche but profitable method. Basalt is used for teleportation items and sells well on the GE. The catch? No bank is nearby, but NPC Snowflake can note your Basalt, making it viable.

  • Best Gear: Dragon Pickaxe for speed, Prospector Outfit for XP boost.
  • Tips: Prioritize Basalt over salts for higher profits. Note items frequently.
  • Why It Works: Low competition and steady demand for Basalt keep profits high.

Best Mining Money-Making Methods for F2P Players

Free-to-play players have fewer options, but mining can still be a reliable way to earn GP. These methods are beginner-friendly and require minimal investment.

Mining Iron Ore

Profit: ~430K GP/hour | XP: ~35K/hour | Requirements: 15 Mining, Mining Guild Access

Iron ore mining in the Mining Guild is the best F2P money-making method. The guild’s +7 Mining boost and 50% reduced respawn timers make it highly efficient. Powermining (dropping ores) is common, but banking yields better profits.

  • Best Location: Mining Guild (three iron rocks near a deposit box).
  • Tips: Use a Rune Pickaxe. Wear Varrock Armour 1 for a chance at double ores.
  • Why It Works: Iron’s steady demand for smithing ensures good GE prices.

Mining Gold Ore

Profit: ~32K GP/hour | XP: ~15K/hour | Requirements: 40 Mining, Rune Pickaxe

Gold ore mining at the Crafting Guild is a decent F2P option, though profits are low compared to P2P methods. The guild’s deposit box (requires 99 Crafting or Hard Falador Diary) makes it efficient, but world-hopping is often needed.

  • Alternative Location: Rimmington Mine (bank at Port Sarim).
  • Tips: Check GE prices before mining, as gold ore prices can dip.
  • Why It Works: Gold’s use in crafting and smithing keeps it sellable.

Essential Gear and Boosts for Mining Profits

Maximizing your mining efficiency requires the right gear and boosts. Here’s a breakdown of must-have items and their benefits.

Item Requirements Benefits
Dragon/Crystal Pickaxe 60 Mining (Dragon), 71 Mining (Crystal) Faster mining speed, +3 level boost (special attack).
Prospector Outfit 180 Golden Nuggets (Motherlode Mine) +2.5% XP boost, aesthetic for clue steps.
Varrock Armour (1-4) Varrock Diary Tasks 10% chance to mine double ores (except at Motherlode, Blast Mine, etc.).
Mining Gloves (Expert) 60 Unidentified Minerals Prevents rock depletion for certain ores (e.g., Amethyst).
Gem Bag 40 Dungeoneering, 40 Crafting Stores 300 uncut gems, reduces banking trips.

How to Get These Items

Tips to Boost Your Mining Profits

To make the most GP from mining, follow these strategies:

  • Monitor GE Prices: Use the GE tracker to sell when prices peak. Avoid mining low-value ores unless XP is your goal.
  • World-Hop Strategically: For Runite and Gold, hop to low-population worlds to avoid competition.
  • Use Boosts: Celestial Ring (+4 Mining boost) and Varrock Armour increase efficiency.
  • AFK When Possible: Amethyst and Motherlode Mine are great for passive income while multitasking.
  • Test Small Batches: Before committing to a method, mine a small sample to confirm profits, as GE prices fluctuate.

Choosing the Right Method for You

Your ideal mining method depends on your mining level, playstyle, and goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Low-Level Players (15-40): Stick to Iron (F2P) or Gemstones (P2P) for decent profits and XP.
  • Mid-Level Players (40-85): Try Basalt, Gemstones, or Gold for steady GP.
  • High-Level Players (85+): Focus on Runite, Amethyst, or Zalcano for maximum profits.
  • AFK Players: Amethyst or Motherlode Mine are your best bets.
  • Active Players: Zalcano or Runite mining reward high effort with high GP.

Mining in OSRS is a versatile way to make money, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player. By choosing the right method and gear, you can turn your pickaxe into a gold-making machine. Start digging, and watch your bank grow!