OSRS 1-99 Mining Guide Fastest and AFK Methods
Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a core skill that offers both profit and progression. Whether you’re aiming for the Mining skill cape, gathering resources for Smithing, or making gold, this comprehensive guide covers the fastest, most efficient, and AFK-friendly methods to reach level 99. From beginner-friendly copper mines to advanced tick manipulation, we’ve got you covered with strategies for free-to-play (F2P), pay-to-play (P2P), and Ironman accounts.
Mining is essential for several reasons. It unlocks resources for Smithing and Crafting, supports raids like Chambers of Xeric and Tombs of Amascut, and can be highly profitable at higher levels. Plus, achieving 99 Mining grants the coveted skill cape and opens up efficient money-making methods like runite ore mining.
Key Benefits of Mining
- Profit Potential: High-level ores like runite and amethyst yield significant gold.
- Quest Requirements: Mining is needed for quests like Doric’s Quest and The Dig Site.
- Raid Utility: Level 85+ Mining boosts performance in raids.
- Ironman Support: Provides ores and gems for self-sufficient accounts.
Essential Mining Gear and Boosts
Before diving into training methods, equip yourself with the right tools and boosts to maximize efficiency. The pickaxe is your primary tool, and upgrading it as your level increases is crucial.
Pickaxe Progression
| Pickaxe | Mining Level | Attack Level (to Wield) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 1 | 1 | Starting pickaxe, very slow. |
| Iron | 1 | 10 | Early upgrade for faster mining. |
| Steel | 6 | 5 | Decent for low levels. |
| Mithril | 21 | 20 | Good mid-tier option. |
| Adamant | 31 | 30 | Solid for levels 30-60. |
| Rune | 41 | 40 | Best F2P pickaxe. |
| Dragon | 61 | 60 | P2P, 5.88% faster than Rune. |
| Crystal | 71 | 70 | P2P, fastest pickaxe, requires Song of the Elves. |
Mining Boosts
- Prospector Kit: Earned from Motherlode Mine, grants 2.5% XP boost when full set is worn.
- Varrock Armour: From Varrock Diary, gives 10% chance to mine double ores (up to specific tiers).
- Celestial Ring: From Shooting Stars, provides +4 invisible Mining boost and 10% chance for extra ore.
- Mining Gloves: Available in Mining Guild, prevent ore depletion (expert gloves best for runite).
- Gem Bag/Coal Bag: Reduces banking time for gem and coal mining.
Fastest Pathway to 99 Mining
The fastest route to 99 combines quests, early power mining, and high-XP methods like 3-tick granite. This section outlines the optimal progression.
Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin
Start by mining copper and tin in Lumbridge Swamp or Southeast Varrock Mine. Each ore gives 17.5 XP, and power mining (dropping ores instead of banking) speeds up the process. Expect 10,000-15,000 XP per hour.
Quests for Early XP
Complete these quests to skip early levels:
- Doric’s Quest: 1,300 XP (Level 1 to 10).
- The Dig Site: 15,300 XP (Level 10 to 32).
Levels 15-60: Iron Ore
Mine iron ore at Al Kharid Mine, where three iron rocks form a triangle for minimal movement. Each ore yields 35 XP. At level 41 with a rune pickaxe, you can hit 50,000 XP per hour. At level 60, move to the Mining Guild for a +7 invisible boost and halved respawn times, pushing XP to 60,000 per hour.
Levels 60-99: 3-Tick Granite
From level 75 (or 45 with practice), 3-tick granite mining in the Kharidian Desert Quarry offers the fastest XP—up to 115,000-120,000 per hour at level 99. This method is click-intensive and requires tick manipulation (e.g., using a knife on teak logs to cancel mining animations). Protect against desert heat with waterskins, Desert Amulet 4, or Hitpoints cape with a regen bracelet.
AFK and Low-Effort Methods
Not everyone wants the intensity of 3-tick mining. These AFK methods balance decent XP with relaxed gameplay.
Levels 30-99: Motherlode Mine
Unlocked at level 30, Motherlode Mine (in Dwarven Mine) is the go-to AFK method. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it in the hopper, and collect cleaned ores for 30,000-45,000 XP per hour (higher at level 72 with upper level access). It’s profitable, yielding ores for Smithing and nuggets for the Prospector Kit.
Levels 10-99: Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars is a low-effort minigame where you mine crashed stars across Gielinor. XP ranges from 20,000-50,000 per hour at level 99, and you earn stardust for the Celestial Ring. Use the Star Miners map or chat to locate stars and mine for up to 7 minutes per tier.
Levels 60-99: Calcified Rocks
In Cam Torum Mine (requires Perilous Moons), calcified rocks offer 50,000 XP per hour at level 99, with minimal effort. Mining wet veins boosts success rates, and calcified deposits yield bone shards or moths. With tick manipulation, XP can hit 94,000 per hour.
Profitable and Alternative Methods
If gold is your goal, these methods combine decent XP with profit, ideal for regular and Ironman accounts.
Levels 40-99: Gem Rocks
After completing the Hard Karamja Diary, mine gem rocks in Shilo Village’s underground mine. Expect 50,000-75,000 XP per hour (up to 108,000 with tick manipulation) and valuable gems for profit or Crafting. The gem bag and bank deposit box make this efficient.
Levels 75-99: Blast Mine
With 100% Lovakengj favour, Blast Mine (level 75) offers 70,000 XP per hour and up to 700,000 GP per hour, including runite ore. It’s click-intensive but less so than granite, balancing profit and XP.
Levels 85-99: Runite Ore
Mining runite in the Wilderness Resource Area or Mining Guild yields 125 XP per ore and high profits (millions per hour at level 99). It’s slow (due to competition and 12-minute respawns) but ideal for money-focused players. Use Varrock Armour 4 and expert mining gloves to boost efficiency.
Levels 92-99: Amethyst
Amethyst mining in the Mining Guild (level 92) gives 20,000-25,000 XP per hour but is highly profitable, as amethyst is used for darts and bolts. Expert mining gloves prevent depletion, and the method is semi-AFK.
Reaching 99 Mining in OSRS is a grind, but with the right strategy, it’s achievable and rewarding. For max XP, stick to 3-tick granite from level 75. If you prefer AFK, Motherlode Mine and Shooting Stars are your best bets. For profit, gem rocks, Blast Mine, or runite ore shine. Combine quests, gear upgrades, and the Mining Guild’s boosts to streamline your journey. Grab your pickaxe, hit the rocks, and enjoy the road to the Mining skill cape!