OSRS MLM XP Rates: A Comprehensive Guide to Motherlode Mine Experience

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of training methods for every skill, and when it comes to Mining, the Motherlode Mine (MLM) stands out as a fan favorite. Known for its semi-AFK nature and decent gold-making potential, MLM is a go-to spot for players looking to level up their Mining skill without the intensity of tick manipulation or high-effort methods. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the OSRS MLM XP rates, breaking down how much experience you can expect at different levels, what affects those rates, and how to optimize your time in the mine. Whether you’re a newbie miner or a seasoned prospector, this guide has you covered.

The Motherlode Mine, located in the Falador region, is a members-only Mining training area introduced in 2014. It’s accessible after completing a small portion of the “Dwarven Mines” questline, requiring just 30 Mining to enter. Unlike traditional mining methods where you click on rocks repeatedly, MLM offers a unique mechanic: players mine pay-dirt from ore veins, deposit it into a hopper, and then collect the processed ores from a sack. This process makes it less click-intensive, appealing to those who prefer a more relaxed training experience.

Why Choose MLM for Mining XP?

MLM isn’t the fastest Mining XP method in OSRS—that title goes to methods like 3-tick granite mining or Volcanic Mine—but it strikes a balance between effort, XP, and profit. Here’s why players love it:

• Semi-AFK: You can mine pay-dirt, deposit it, and wait for the hopper to process it without constant clicking.
• Profit Potential: Ores like coal, gold, and mithril can be collected and sold or used for Smithing.
• Progressive Rewards: Higher Mining levels unlock better ores and slightly improved XP rates.

OSRS MLM XP Rates by Level

The XP rates in Motherlode Mine vary depending on your Mining level, gear, and efficiency. Below, we’ll explore the approximate XP rates you can expect at different level brackets. These rates assume you’re using the best available pickaxe for your level and maintaining a consistent mining rhythm.

Level 30–40: Getting Started

At 30 Mining, you can enter MLM and start mining pay-dirt, which grants 60 XP per successful attempt. With a steel pickaxe (or better, like mithril at 31 Mining), you can expect around 15,000–20,000 XP per hour. This rate is modest because lower-level pickaxes mine slower, and you’re limited to the lower level of the mine, where ore veins are farther apart.

Level 40–60: Steady Progress

Once you hit 40 Mining, you can upgrade to a rune pickaxe (if you have 41 Attack), significantly boosting your mining speed. XP rates here jump to 25,000–35,000 XP per hour. The upper level of MLM becomes accessible at 72 Mining, but until then, you’ll stick to the lower level, collecting mostly coal and some gold ore.

Level 60–85: Peak Efficiency

With 60 Mining and a rune pickaxe (or dragon pickaxe at 61 Mining with 60 Attack), XP rates climb to 40,000–50,000 XP per hour. At this stage, you’re mining pay-dirt faster, and the upper level (unlocked at 72 Mining) offers closer ore veins and a chance at higher-tier ores like mithril and adamantite. Efficiency peaks around this range for most players.

Level 85–99: Endgame Mining

At 85+ Mining, you can use the dragon pickaxe (or crystal pickaxe with Song of the Elves completed) and access the upper level consistently. XP rates stabilize at 50,000–55,000 XP per hour, with some players pushing closer to 60,000 XP/hour with perfect efficiency and boosts like the celestial ring (+4 Mining boost). This is the sweet spot for those aiming for 99 Mining via MLM.

Mining Level	XP Per Hour	Recommended Pickaxe
30–40	15,000–20,000	Steel/Mithril
40–60	25,000–35,000	Rune
60–85	40,000–50,000	Rune/Dragon
85–99	50,000–55,000	Dragon/Crystal

Factors Affecting MLM XP Rates

Several variables influence how much XP you’ll earn per hour in Motherlode Mine. Understanding these can help you maximize your gains.

Pickaxe Tier

The pickaxe you wield directly impacts mining speed. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Steel Pickaxe (30 Mining): Baseline speed for early levels.
• Rune Pickaxe (41 Mining): A big upgrade, widely used until 61 Mining.
• Dragon Pickaxe (61 Mining): Faster mining, with a special attack for a temporary boost.
• Crystal Pickaxe (71 Mining): The best option, requiring Song of the Elves and 50 Agility/Smithing.

Upper vs. Lower Level

The upper level, unlocked at 72 Mining, offers shorter travel distances between veins and the hopper, slightly boosting XP rates. Before 72, you’re stuck on the lower level, where veins are more spread out, slowing you down.

Boosts and Gear

Items like the celestial ring (+4 Mining) or Varrock armour (10% chance of double ores, though not applicable in MLM for XP) can indirectly help. The Mining cape (99 Mining) provides a small chance of extra ore, but its impact on XP is minimal.

How to Optimize Your MLM XP Rates

To get the most out of Motherlode Mine, follow these tips to streamline your training:

Use the Best Pickaxe Available

Always equip the highest-tier pickaxe you can use. The difference between a rune and dragon pickaxe, for example, can add thousands of XP per hour over time.

Focus on the Upper Level

Once you hit 72 Mining, move to the upper level. The reduced travel time between veins and the hopper shaves off seconds per cycle, compounding into higher XP rates.

Empty Inventory Strategically

Pay-dirt takes up inventory space (up to 26 slots with a gem bag). Deposit it into the hopper as soon as you’re full, and collect from the sack when it’s got 81+ ores to avoid downtime. Use a gem bag (crafted at 25 Crafting) to store gems and free up space.

Minimize Distractions

While MLM is semi-AFK, staying attentive to deposit pay-dirt and collect ores keeps your XP ticking. Watching a show? Keep an eye on your inventory.

MLM XP Rates vs. Other Mining Methods

How does MLM stack up against other Mining training methods in OSRS? Let’s compare:

3-Tick Granite Mining

At 45 Mining, 3-tick granite mining in the Kharidian Desert offers 70,000–90,000 XP per hour. It’s much faster than MLM but requires precise timing and constant attention—far from AFK.

Volcanic Mine

Starting at 50 Mining, Volcanic Mine yields 65,000–85,000 XP per hour in a team setting. It’s more engaging than MLM and offers decent rewards, but it’s less solo-friendly and requires coordination.

Iron Ore Mining

From 15–60 Mining, mining iron in a 3-rock triangle spot gives 35,000–45,000 XP per hour. It’s faster than early MLM rates but drops off after 60, and there’s no profit involved.

MLM shines for its ease and profitability, making it ideal for players who value gold over raw XP speed. If you’re chasing 99 Mining as fast as possible, granite or Volcanic Mine will outpace it, but you’ll sacrifice the relaxed vibe and GP gains.

Conclusion: Is MLM Worth It for XP?

The Motherlode Mine offers a solid middle ground in OSRS Mining training. With XP rates ranging from 15,000 to 55,000 per hour depending on your level and setup, it’s not the fastest method, but its semi-AFK nature and profit potential make it a worthwhile choice. For players aiming to hit 99 Mining while building a bank, MLM is a no-brainer. Pair it with a good pickaxe, the upper level, and a bit of focus, and you’ll be raking in both XP and gold in no time.

Ready to dig into MLM? Grab your pickaxe, head to Falador, and start mining that pay-dirt. Happy training!