OSRS Motherlode Mine to 99: The Ultimate Mining Guide for Old School RuneScape

OSRS Motherlode Mine to 99: The Ultimate Mining Guide for Old School RuneScape


For players of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), reaching level 99 Mining can feel like a daunting task. However, the Motherlode Mine offers a unique, semi-AFK method to train this skill while earning decent profits and unlocking valuable rewards. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the Motherlode Mine to hit 99 Mining, from getting started to maximizing efficiency. Whether you’re a casual player or an Ironman, this low-intensity training spot has something for everyone. Let’s dive into why the Motherlode Mine is a fan favorite and how you can leverage it to achieve that coveted skill cape!

The Motherlode Mine, located beneath Falador in the Dwarven Mines, stands out as one of the most popular Mining training methods in OSRS. Introduced in 2014 and expanded in 2015, it’s designed for players who prefer a relaxed approach to skilling. Here’s why it’s a top choice for getting to 99 Mining:

Low-Effort Gameplay

Unlike traditional mining methods that require constant clicking (e.g., powermining iron or granite), the Motherlode Mine lets you mine pay-dirt from ore veins, deposit it into a hopper, and collect rewards later. This process offers significant downtime, making it ideal for multitasking or casual play.

Profit Potential

While not the most lucrative money-making method, the Motherlode Mine provides a steady stream of ores like coal, mithril, adamantite, and even runite at higher levels. At 99 Mining, you can expect upwards of 300k GP per hour, which is a nice bonus while training.

Rewards Like the Prospector Outfit

Mining here yields golden nuggets, which can be traded for the Prospector Outfit—a set that boosts Mining XP by 2.5% when fully equipped. This reward alone makes the Motherlode Mine worth visiting early in your journey.

Getting Started at Motherlode Mine

Ready to start mining? The Motherlode Mine is accessible to members with just a few basic requirements. Here’s how to begin:

Requirements

  • Level 30 Mining: The minimum to enter the lower level.
  • Level 72 Mining: Needed for the upper level (cannot be boosted), plus 100 golden nuggets to unlock it permanently.
  • A Pickaxe: Any type works, but higher-tier pickaxes (e.g., Rune or Dragon) improve efficiency.

How to Get There

The mine is nestled in the Dwarven Mines under Falador. The fastest routes include:

  • Skills Necklace: Teleport to the Mining Guild and run east to the entrance.
  • Falador Teleport: Head to the Party Room, go down the stairs, and enter the cave southwest of the ladder.

The Mining Process

Here’s the basic loop:

  1. Mine pay-dirt from ore veins scattered around the mine.
  2. Deposit the pay-dirt into the hopper in the center.
  3. Wait for the water circuit to clean it and deposit ores into the sack.
  4. Collect your ores from the sack and bank them using the nearby deposit box.

For maximum AFK efficiency, deposit multiple inventories (e.g., four) before collecting and banking.

Leveling Up: Experience Rates and Progression

The Motherlode Mine scales with your Mining level, offering better XP and loot as you progress. Let’s break down what to expect on your journey to 99.

XP Rates by Level

Experience rates depend on your level, pickaxe, and whether you’re on the upper or lower level. Here’s a breakdown:

Mining Level XP/Hour (Lower Level) XP/Hour (Upper Level)
30-40 15,000-20,000 N/A
40-72 20,000-30,000 N/A
72-85 30,000-40,000 40,000-50,000
85-99 40,000-50,000 50,000-60,000

Note: Upper-level rates assume you’ve unlocked it at 72 Mining and use a Dragon Pickaxe with the Prospector Outfit.

Key Milestones

  • Level 30: Start mining at the lower level.
  • Level 54 Agility + Medium Falador Diary: Unlock a shortcut for faster pay-dirt deposits.
  • Level 72: Access the upper level with 100 nuggets—more veins, less competition, and better AFK time.
  • Level 85: Unlock runite ore, boosting profit significantly.

Time to 99

From level 30 to 99, you’ll need approximately 13 million XP. At an average of 40,000 XP/hour (mixing lower and upper levels), it takes about 325 hours. Switching to the upper level at 72 and optimizing your setup can shave this down to 250-300 hours.

Maximizing Efficiency at Motherlode Mine

To make the most of your time in the Motherlode Mine, consider these tips and upgrades to boost XP and profit.

Essential Gear and Upgrades

  • Prospector Outfit: Costs 180 nuggets total (60 for jacket, 50 for legs, 40 for helmet, 30 for boots). Aim to get this by level 60-65 for the 2.5% XP boost.
  • Upper Level Access: 100 nuggets at level 72—prioritize this for better rates and AFK time.
  • Super Hopper: 50 nuggets at level 72; lets you deposit pay-dirt upstairs, reducing travel time.
  • Coal Bag: 100 nuggets; doubles coal storage, great for Ironmen or profit-focused players.
  • Best Pickaxe: Upgrade to Rune at 41 Mining, Dragon at 61 (if affordable)—faster mining means more pay-dirt.

AFK Strategies

The upper level shines for AFK training. Veins here deplete on a timer (15-27 seconds) rather than per ore mined, allowing multiple players to share them. Deposit four inventories (108 pay-dirt with an upgraded hopper) before collecting to minimize banking trips.

Handling Random Events

Two random events can interrupt your flow:

  • Rockfalls: Mine them away with your pickaxe for 10 XP each. Watch out—they deal 1-4 damage if they hit you.
  • Broken Water Wheels: Fix them with a hammer (found in nearby crates) for Smithing XP (1.5x your level). Optional, as other players often repair them.

Pros and Cons of Motherlode Mine to 99

Is the Motherlode Mine the best path to 99 Mining? Let’s weigh the advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages

  • Low Intensity: Perfect for AFK training or multitasking.
  • Profit: Earn 100k-350k GP/hour depending on level, unlike powermining which yields none.
  • Rewards: Golden nuggets unlock useful items like the Prospector Outfit and Coal Bag.
  • Ironman-Friendly: Provides a variety of ores for Smithing training.

Drawbacks

  • Slower XP: Compared to methods like 3-tick granite (up to 90k XP/hour) or Blast Mine (70k+ XP/hour), Motherlode tops out at 60k XP/hour.
  • Early Game Grind: Levels 30-72 on the lower level can feel slow and less profitable.
  • Competition: Lower-level veins deplete faster with multiple miners, though the upper level mitigates this.

Alternatives to Consider

If Motherlode isn’t your style, explore these options:

  • Shooting Stars: Up to 30k XP/hour with 7-minute AFK intervals—ultra-relaxed but slower.
  • Powermining Iron: 50k-60k XP/hour from level 15, but click-intensive and no profit.
  • Blast Mine: 70k+ XP/hour at 75 Mining, with good profit, though it’s more active.

For most players, the Motherlode Mine strikes a balance between effort, XP, and rewards, making it a solid choice for the long haul.

Training Mining to 99 in OSRS via the Motherlode Mine is a journey of patience and persistence, but its laid-back nature and tangible rewards keep players coming back. From the moment you hit level 30, you can settle into this Dwarven hotspot, collecting pay-dirt, nuggets, and ores all the way to the top. Unlock the upper level, grab the Prospector Outfit, and enjoy a skilling experience that’s as rewarding as it is relaxing. Whether you’re after the skill cape, some extra gold, or just a chill way to play, the Motherlode Mine has you covered. Happy mining, adventurers!