OSRS Mining Guide 1-99 2023

OSRS Mining Guide 1-99 2023

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a core gathering skill that lets players extract ores, gems, and other resources from rocks across Gielinor. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Mining skillcape or looking to make some serious gold, this comprehensive 1-99 Mining guide for 2023 will walk you through the fastest, most efficient, and even profitable methods to reach level 99. From free-to-play (F2P) to pay-to-play (P2P) strategies, we’ve got you covered with tips for regular accounts and Ironmen alike.

Mining is essential for gathering resources used in Smithing, Crafting, and even high-level raids like Chambers of Xeric and Tombs of Amascut, where level 85+ Mining is recommended . It’s also a lucrative skill, especially at higher levels when you can mine Runite or Amethyst. With recent updates like Shooting Stars and calcified rocks, Mining has become less tedious and more rewarding, making 2023 a great year to grind this skill .

Key Benefits of Mining

  • Profit Potential: High-level ores like Runite and Amethyst can net hundreds of thousands of gold per hour.
  • Quest Requirements: Many quests, like The Dig Site and Song of the Elves, require Mining levels.
  • Ironman Utility: Mining provides ores for Smithing and gems for Crafting, crucial for self-sufficiency.
  • Raiding Advantage: Higher Mining levels boost damage in raids like Tombs of Amascut .

Essential Mining Gear and Boosts

To maximize your Mining efficiency, you’ll need the right tools and boosts. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have items and strategies to enhance your XP rates.

Pickaxe Progression

Always use the best pickaxe available for your level to mine faster. Here’s the progression:



Pickaxe Mining Level Required Attack Level Required Notes
Bronze/Iron 1 1 Basic, avoid long-term use.
Steel 6 5 Slightly faster, cheap upgrade.
Mithril 21 20 Good for early-game.
Adamant 31 30 Solid mid-tier option.
Rune 41 40 Best F2P pickaxe.
Dragon 61 60 Has a special attack for +3 Mining boost .
Crystal 71 70 Fastest pickaxe, requires Song of the Elves .

XP Boosting Items

  • Prospector Kit: Obtained from Motherlode Mine for 180 Golden Nuggets, provides a 2.5% XP boost . Worthwhile for AFK methods but skippable for power mining.

  • Varrock Armour: From Varrock Diary, gives a 10% chance to mine double ores, stacking with other boosts for up to 20% more XP .

  • Celestial Ring: From Shooting Stars, provides an invisible +4 Mining boost, slightly increasing XP rates .

  • Mining Gloves: Available in the Mining Guild, expert gloves are ideal for Amethyst mining to prevent ore depletion .

Fastest 1-99 Mining Pathway

For players prioritizing speed, power mining (dropping ores instead of banking) is the way to go. This section outlines the fastest methods to hit 99 Mining in 2023.

Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin

Start by power mining Copper or Tin at Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock South-East Mine. Each ore gives 17.5 XP, and you’ll hit level 15 quickly. Expect around 10,000–15,000 XP per hour. Alternatively, complete Doric’s Quest to jump from level 1 to 10 instantly .

Levels 15-45: Iron Ore

Switch to power mining Iron ore at Al Kharid Mine or Legends’ Guild Mine. Iron yields 35 XP per ore and offers 30,000–40,000 XP per hour. Enable shift-drop for faster inventory clearing. For F2P players, Varrock South-East Mine is a solid spot .

Levels 45-99: 3-Tick Granite

From level 45, 3-tick Granite mining at the Desert Quarry (near Enakhra’s Temple) is the fastest XP method, yielding up to 100,000–120,000 XP per hour with tick manipulation . This click-intensive technique requires precise timing but is unmatched for speed. Use a Camulet or Pharaoh’s Sceptre for quick teleports. After the Hard Desert Diary, teleport directly to the Quarry for efficiency .

Questing for Early Levels

To skip early grinding, complete these quests for quick Mining XP:

  • Doric’s Quest: Level 1 → 10 (1,300 XP).
  • Plague City: Up to 2,425 XP, reaching level 18.
  • The Dig Site: 15,300 XP, boosting to level 33 .

These quests have low requirements and can save hours of low-level mining .

AFK and Profitable Mining Methods

Not everyone wants to sweat over tick manipulation. For a more relaxed or profitable approach, these methods balance XP, effort, and gold.

Levels 30-99: Motherlode Mine

Unlocked at level 30, Motherlode Mine is a low-effort, AFK-friendly method. Mine pay-dirt, clean it, and collect ores like Coal, Gold, or Runite (at higher levels). XP rates range from 15,000 at level 30 to 53,000 at level 99, with profits of 150,000–300,000 GP per hour at high levels . At level 72, unlock the upper level (100 Golden Nuggets) for more AFK time and better XP .

Levels 65-99: Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars, part of the Distraction and Diversion, offer extremely AFK mining. Find crashed stars via world-hopping or clans and mine them for 42–63 minutes, depending on tier. XP rates reach 30,000–50,000 per hour at level 99, with minimal effort . You also earn Stardust for the Celestial Ring, boosting your Mining further.

Levels 40-99: Gem Rocks

After completing the Hard Karamja Diary, mine Gem Rocks in Shilo Village’s underground mine. With a Gem Bag (from Motherlode Mine), expect 40,000–60,000 XP per hour and 600,000–800,000 GP per hour at level 90+ with tick manipulation . This is ideal for Ironmen, yielding 2.6M Crafting XP from level 65–92 .

Levels 75-99: Blast Mine

Requiring 100% Lovakengj favor, Blast Mine offers 55,000 XP per hour and up to 550,000 GP per hour at level 75. Use Dynamite to blast ores, which can be up to 10 levels above your Mining level . It’s a great balance of XP and profit but requires active play.

Levels 92-99: Amethyst

At level 92, mine Amethyst in the Mining Guild for a chill, profitable method. Expect 20,000–25,000 XP per hour and 80–100 Amethyst Crystals per hour, worth 300,000–400,000 GP. Use expert Mining Gloves to reduce ore depletion . Bring a chisel to craft Javelin Heads while mining for extra profit.

Tips for Efficient Mining

Here are some final tips to streamline your 1-99 Mining journey in 2023:

  • Enable Shift-Drop: Speeds up power mining by dropping ores with a shift-click .

  • Join the Mining Guild: At level 60, gain a +7 invisible Mining boost and faster rock respawns .

  • Use Tick Manipulation: For methods like 3-tick Granite or Gem Rocks, mastering tick manipulation can double your XP rates .

  • Complete Diaries: Varrock, Falador, and Karamja Diaries unlock boosts and shortcuts that save time .

  • Ironman Tip: Bank ores from Motherlode Mine or Gem Rocks for Smithing and Crafting .

With this guide, you’re ready to tackle Mining from 1-99 in OSRS. Whether you choose the sweaty 3-tick Granite path or the laid-back Motherlode Mine, you’ll hit that level 99 milestone and maybe even pocket some serious gold along the way. Grab your pickaxe, head to Gielinor, and start swinging!