Mining - OSRS Money Making Guide

Mining is a fundamental skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that allows players to extract valuable ores, gems, and other resources from the environment. As a gathering skill, Mining serves as a gateway to various other skills such as Smithing and Crafting, enabling players to create powerful equipment and items. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the mechanics of Mining can significantly enhance your gaming experience and lead to lucrative rewards. Training Mining efficiently is essential for maximizing your ore yield and advancing your skill level. With a variety of locations, equipment, and techniques available, players have the opportunity to tailor their training methods to suit their individual goals. From the bustling rocks in Lumbridge to the rich deposits in the Mines of Keldagrim, there’s no shortage of opportunities for aspiring miners to hone their craft and climb the ranks in this classic skill.

Getting Started with Mining

Mining is a fundamental skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that allows players to extract ores and resources from various mining locations. As a versatile and essential skill, mining contributes to crafting, smithing, and even construction. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started with mining in OSRS.

1. Requirements

Before diving into mining, it’s essential to ensure that you have the proper equipment and basic levels:

Pickaxe: You will need a pickaxe to mine ore. There are different types ranging from bronze to dragon, with each pickaxe having varying levels of efficiency. You can purchase a bronze pickaxe from any main city or from the general store.
Mining Level: You can start mining rocks with no minimum level required; however, as you progress, achieving higher mining levels will allow you to mine more valuable ores.

2. Locations for Mining

Finding the right location can make your mining experience more efficient:

Mining Sites: The most common locations for mining include:

Rimmington Mine: A great starting point as it offers several copper and tin rocks.
Varrock South Mine: Located near the south gate of Varrock, it has multiple copper and iron rocks.
Al Kharid Mine: Provides access to copper and iron, making it suitable for early-level miners.
Ruins of Uzer Mine: Located in the desert region, this area contains both iron and the rare mithril ore.

3. Gathering Resources

Once you’ve selected a mining location and have your pickaxe equipped, you can start mining:

Approach a rock and click on it to begin mining. Your character will automatically begin the process, and after a few seconds, you will either succeed in gathering ore or fail, which may require you to wait a moment before trying again.
As you mine, you’ll accumulate ores in your inventory, which you can either keep or sell for profit.

4. Leveling Up Mining

As you mine, you will gain experience points (XP) in mining:

To maximize your mining experience, focus on mining ore types that yield the most XP for your current level. For example, at level 1, mining copper and tin provides 17.5 XP per ore.
Once you reach level 15, you can start mining iron ore, which gives 35 XP per ore and is essential for smithing.
Progress to higher-level ores such as silver, gold, mithril, and adamant as your mining level increases.

5. Tips for Efficient Mining

Here are some helpful tips to make your mining experience smoother:

Use a Higher Tier Pickaxe: As you level up, invest in better pickaxes to speed up your mining. The higher the tier, the faster you can mine ore.
Join a Mining Guild: Once you reach level 60 mining, consider joining the Mining Guild for access to a variety of ore types, including coal and a faster mining rate.
Pay Attention to Your Inventory Space: Always keep an eye on your inventory, especially when mining valuable ores. Make sure to drop less valuable ores when necessary to make room for more valuable resources.

With these basics, you are well-prepared to start your mining journey in OSRS. Whether you aim to stockpile ores for future skill training or to sell them for profit, mining is a rewarding skill that will contribute significantly to your overall OSRS experience!

Essential Mining Gear

When it comes to maximizing your efficiency and success in mining within Old School RuneScape (OSRS), having the right gear is crucial. The following items will not only enhance your mining experience but also help you to gather ores and minerals more effectively.

Pickaxes

The most essential tool for any miner is, of course, a pickaxe. The type of pickaxe you use will significantly affect your mining speed and efficiency. Here’s a list of the most commonly used pickaxes in OSRS:

Bronze Pickaxe: The basic pickaxe, useful for players starting their mining journey.
Iron Pickaxe: Requires level 1 Mining; better than bronze and allows faster mining.
Steel Pickaxe: Requires level 6 Mining; a solid upgrade for miners looking to gather ores quicker.
Mithril Pickaxe: Requires level 21 Mining; significantly improves mining speed.
Adamant Pickaxe: Requires level 31 Mining; the go-to pickaxe for mid-level miners.
Rune Pickaxe: Requires level 41 Mining; the best pickaxe available for free-to-play players.
Dragon Pickaxe: Requires level 61 Mining; offers the fastest mining speed in the game and has the added benefit of a special attack that boosts your mining efficiency.
3rd Age Pickaxe: A collectible pickaxe with the same stats as the rune pickaxe, exclusive to the 3rd Age set.

Mining Lamps

On top of using pickaxes, miners can enhance their experience with mining lamps. These items can provide a direct boost to your Mining experience:

Mining gloves: While primarily aimed at collecting ores, they help improve your overall efficiency when wearing different tiers (e.g., Coal Bag gloves, which assist in maximizing coal collection).

Mining Outfits

Wearing specific outfits can provide bonus mining experience. A few of them include:

Prospector Outfit: This is the best outfit for mining, as it gives a 2.5% experience boost when worn. It can be obtained by participating in the Motherlode Mine.
Mining Cape: A reward for achieving level 99 in Mining, granting a small mining experience boost.

Other Useful Gear

Beyond the basic pickaxe and outfit, there are several other pieces of gear that can support your mining endeavors:

Dragon Pickaxe: Not only does it offer the best stats, but its special attack is handy for professionals who want to speed up mining even further.
Weight-reducing Gear: Lightweight armor, such as the graceful set, allows you to run longer and reduce fatigue as you move around the mining zones.

With this essential mining gear, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the mines of Gielinor!

Best Locations for Mining

When it comes to maximizing your Mining skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right location is crucial. Different ores are found in various locations throughout Gielinor, and each area offers unique advantages for miners. Here’s a rundown of some of the best spots for mining ores, depending on your level and the type of ore you’re after:

1. Lumbridge Swamp

For beginners, Lumbridge Swamp is an accessible area featuring a few copper and tin rocks. This location is conveniently close to Lumbridge Castle, providing quick access to banks for smelting or selling your ores.

2. Varrock South East Mine

Located just south-east of Varrock, this mine is ideal for those looking to mine copper and tin as well. It has several rocks close together, which can speed up your mining. The proximity to Varrock also offers easy banking options.

3. Mining Guild

The Mining Guild is one of the best locations for miners with a Mining level of 60 or higher. It boasts a plethora of iron ore rocks and is located in the Falador area. Additionally, the Guild has a bank located nearby for efficient resource management. The presence of dwarves guarding the entrance can help provide some safety from potential PKers.

4. Al Kharid Mine

This region contains both copper and tin ores, making it ideal for early training. It’s conveniently located near the Al Kharid bank, but be cautious of the aggressive scorpions found in the area.

5. Rimmington Mine

Rimmington Mine, situated south of Falador, is another excellent spot for copper and tin. The rocks here are less crowded than other popular locations, meaning you can mine without waiting for respawns.

6. Al Kharid’s Iron Ore

Once you reach level 15 Mining, head over to the Al Kharid Mine and focus on iron ore. There’s a good number of iron rocks, and it’s close to the bank in Al Kharid for quick smelting or selling!

7. Karamja Volcano

Located on Karamja Island, the volcano area is home to several iron rocks. This location is less frequented due to its distance from the bank but offers a great mining experience, especially for those who enjoy the isolation.

8. Heroes’ Guild

For miners level 70+, the Heroes’ Guild provides access to a significant number of mithril and Adamantite rocks. This location features a bank nearby and is generally safe, allowing for focused mining sessions.

9. Mines of Mor Ul Rek

If you’ve achieved higher levels in Mining (85+), the Mines of Mor Ul Rek offers the possibility to mine concentrated gold or mithril ores. This location is somewhat isolated but provides fantastic opportunities for ore gathering.

10. Quarry

Lastly, the Quarry, southwest of the Mining Guild, can provide sandstone, which is useful for construction. This area is not rich in traditional ores but is excellent for diversifying your mining skillset.

As you progress in Mining, it’s essential to adapt and choose locations that correspond with your skill levels and objectives, whether that’s training efficiently, gathering resources for crafting, or simply enjoying the mining experience. Happy mining!

Training Methods: From Bronze to Runite

Mining is a crucial skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), allowing players to gather valuable resources for crafting, smithing, and construction. In this section, we’ll explore effective training methods for mining, from the beginner-friendly bronze to the coveted runite ores.

Levels 1-15: Bronze and Iron Ore

As a new miner, your journey begins at level 1 where you can start mining bronze ore from the following locations:

Lumbridge Swamp Mine: There are bronze rocks located near the Lumbridge swamp, ideal for beginners.
Varrock South-East Mine: This mine features both bronze and iron ores; it’s a popular spot for new players.

To reach level 15 efficiently, focus on mining iron ore once you hit level 10. Iron ore provides more experience (XP) than bronze, and you can find it in various locations, including:

South of Varrock (SE Mine)
Al Kharid Mine

You will gain 35 XP for each iron ore mined. It’s advisable to enjoy the game while mining and consider using a pickaxe to speed up the process.

Levels 15-30: Iron Ore

Continue mining iron ore until you reach level 30. The best locations include:

Bob’s Island: Great for iron ore, especially if you are using a higher-tier pickaxe.
Mining Guild: Requires level 60 Mining, but provides a concentrated area of iron ore and is highly recommended in later levels.

To maximize your XP gain, consider employing the drop method. With this method, you drop the ore instead of banking it, allowing you to mine continuously without the interruption of banking.

Levels 30-60: Coal Ore

Upon reaching level 30, switch to mining coal ore, which yields 50 XP per ore. Coal is abundant and critical for smithing:

Mining Guild: Requires level 60 Mining but offers multiple coal rocks close together.
Rimmington Mine: Close to a bank, this is a solid choice for players looking to gather coal efficiently.

At this stage, utilizing the Mining Guild becomes increasingly beneficial for its concentration of resources and reduced competition with other players.

Levels 60-70: Mithril Ore

Once you hit level 60 Mining, switch your focus to mithril ore, which provides boosted XP of 80 XP per ore. Good locations include:

Mining Guild: Many mithril rocks here ensure quicker training.
Hero‘s Guild Mine: Situated near Burthorpe, this area has accessible mithril rocks.

Keep in mind that mithril ores are an excellent source of income if you decide to sell them.

Levels 70-85: Adamantite Ore

At level 70, adamantite mining becomes your next target. Each ore mined grants you 95 XP. Recommended locations are:

Mining Guild: Continue utilizing this mine for both mithril and adamantite ores.
Wilderness Volcano: Higher risk, higher reward; it can be a lucrative location if you can handle the dangers.

Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, especially in wilderness locations, where PvP activity can occur.

Levels 85-99: Runite Ore

Upon reaching level 85, you can mine the rare runite ore, granting 125 XP per ore. Runite mining methods include:

Mining Guild: The best and safest location to mine runite if you have access.
Wilderness: The wilderness has runite rocks but comes with the risk of player interference. Using a rune pickaxe can improve mining efficiency.

Runite ores are valuable and sought after, making them an excellent moneymaker for experienced miners. Be vigilant and prepared to protect your loot.

Final Tips

Regardless of the method you choose, consider the following tips to enhance your mining efficiency:

Always use the best pickaxe available to you to speed up mining.
Utilize the Mining Guild for concentrated mining opportunities.
Consider completing quests that provide mining XP rewards to accelerate your training.

Mining is vital in OSRS, and with these methods, you can efficiently progress from bronze to runite ores, improving your mining level while securing valuable resources!

Mining Experience Rates

Mining experience rates in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your mining level, the type of ore you are mining, and whether you are using any experience-boosting items or bonuses. Below, we provide an overview of the various ores available in the game and their corresponding experience rates for effective training.

Experience Rates by Ore Type

Clay: 5 experience per ore. Clay is often mined at lower levels, making it a suitable option for beginners.
Coal: 50 experience per ore. Coal is a popular choice for mid-level miners, as it is used in various smithing recipes.
Iron Ore: 35 experience per ore. Iron is abundant and can be mined with level 15 Mining, providing a steady experience gain as you progress.
Gold Ore: 65 experience per ore. Gold becomes available at Mining level 40, and its value makes it a desirable target for miners.
Mithril Ore: 80 experience per ore. Mithril can be mined at level 55 and is often sought after for its profit margins.
Adamantite Ore: 95 experience per ore. Available at level 70, adamantite ore provides a solid experience and profit for high-level miners.
Runite Ore: 125 experience per ore. As the rarest and most profitable ore, runite requires level 85 Mining and can yield significant experience and monetary rewards.

Experience Rates by Location

The location of your mining activities can greatly affect your experience rates. Here are some popular mining spots and their potential experience rates:

Rimmington Mine: Ideal for beginners, with several clay and copper ores available. Experience rates here can reach around 10,000 XP per hour with clay mining.
Varrock South Mine: Contains iron ore and coal, suited for players at levels 15 and above. Players can achieve up to 20,000 to 30,000 XP per hour here using power-mining techniques.
Mining Guild: Offers coal, mithril, and adamantite. At higher levels, players can expect 30,000 to 50,000 XP per hour, especially with the presence of power-mining methods.
Al Kharid Mine: A good spot for iron and gold, yielding around 25,000 to 35,000 XP per hour for dedicated miners.

Training Methods and Experience Rates

Various training methods can also significantly impact your experience gains:

Power Mining: This method involves dropping ore instead of banking it. It maximizes experience per hour, especially effective with ores like iron and coal, leading to rates upwards of 40,000-60,000 XP per hour.
Banking Ore: If you are banking ores, your experience rates will lower due to the time spent traveling. Expect around 20,000 to 30,000 XP per hour using this method, depending on proximity to a bank.
Using the Varrock Armor: Equipping Varrock Armor (level 1 or 2) increases your chance of receiving an extra ore from certain ores. This can boost experience rates by up to 10% or more!
Mining Locations with Bonuses: Certain events, like Double XP weekends, can drastically enhance your experience gains. During these times, players can hit experience rates of 100,000 XP per hour with optimally efficient methods.

Conclusion

In summary, experience rates in OSRS for mining are influenced by several variables including ore type, training methods, and location. As you progress through the mining levels, adapting your strategy can lead to increasingly efficient training and higher experience rates. Whether you’re in it for the XP, the profits, or both, understanding these factors will help you optimize your mining endeavors.

Mining Quests and Unlocks

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), various quests can enhance your Mining skills by providing useful rewards and new opportunities for training. Completing these quests not only grants experience but also unlocks access to additional areas, tools, and resources that can significantly boost your efficiency as a miner. Below are some notable quests related to Mining, along with their rewards and the skills or unlocks they provide.

1. Doric’s Quest

Requirements: None
Rewards: 1,000 Mining experience, 1,000 Crafting experience, access to Doric’s Anvil
Description: This quest involves helping Doric the Dwarf gather various ores for his anvil. Completing this quest gives you a good start in mining and crafting skills.

2. The Knight’s Sword

Requirements: None
Rewards: 12,725 Smithing experience, access to the mining area near the mine
Description: While primarily a Smithing quest, it requires the mining of iron and coal and introduces you to the mine in the Artisan’s Workshop area, setting the path for your mining journey.

3. A Void Dance

Requirements: Completion of “The Void Knight’s Quest” and “The Great Void Knight” quest.
Rewards: 2,500 Mining experience, access to the Void Knight’s mine
Description: This quest allows you to assist the Void Knight in his efforts, and upon completion, you gain access to a mine filled with resources exclusive to Void players.

4. The Dig Site

Requirements: Level 10 Archaeology
Rewards: 1000 Mining experience, access to the Dig Site and the ability to mine sandstone and fossil
Description: This quest allows players to delve into archaeological work while mining fossils and sandstone, giving unique resources that can be used for various crafting and training activities.

5. Blood Runs Deep

Requirements: Level 50 Mining and access to the Morytania region.
Rewards: 5,000 Mining experience, ability to mine Runite ores in Morytania.
Description: This quest not only gives experience but also allows players to mine more valuable ores in the Morytania region, increasing your potential for profit while mining.

Unlocks and Additional Benefits

Completing these quests can open up various mining locations that provide access to different ores. Some significant unlocks include:

Doric’s Anvil: A great place to smith and gather ores. Completing Doric’s Quest gives you quick access to this location.
Mine of the Great Void: After completing A Void Dance, players can access exclusive areas that contain hidden ores.
Sandstone and Fossil mining area: After The Dig Site, players can delve into rich deposits of sandstone and fossils for crafting.

Quests in OSRS provide not only experience points but also the means to expand your gameplay significantly. By participating in these quests, you can diversify your mining habits and set yourself up for greater success in both mining and related skills.

Mining Events and Activities

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining is not just a solitary activity; it’s enriched by various events and activities that can enhance your experience and provide unique rewards. Participating in these events can yield valuable resources and opportunities to train your skill. Here are some notable mining events and activities you should consider:

1. Mining Competitions

Various mining competitions are held periodically, often hosted by players or clanchat channels. These events challenge participants to mine as many ores as possible within a set timeframe. Prizes may include rare items, resources, or in-game currency, and they foster community engagement among miners.

2. Dwarven Mine Events

Every so often, special events take place in the Dwarven Mine, which is home to a multitude of ores and the friendly dwarfs. During these events, players can enjoy double ore yields, unique drops like the golden pickaxe, or special quests that require mining-specific tasks. Keep an eye out for announcements in-game or on the OSRS website to participate.

3. The Mining Guild

The Mining Guild, located in Falador, hosts several activities designed to promote participation among miners. Occasionally, members may experience increased mining speeds or double experience days as part of promotional events. Additionally, social gatherings and contests are held here, allowing players to showcase their mining accomplishments.

4. Community Projects

Engage in community-driven projects like building or upgrading mining-related infrastructure. These initiatives can lead to group mining events that sometimes offer massive experience boosts or lend to unlocking new mining spots. Keep an eye on community forums and the OSRS wiki for opportunities.

5. Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, OSRS hosts seasonal events that may include mining-themed challenges. Whether it’s a winter festival where players mine icy ores or a summer event with bonuses to mining yields, these seasonal activities add an exciting twist to traditional mining. Rewards may include festive items, unique skins, or materials for crafting.

6. Mining in Special Locations

Certain locations feature special mining activities, such as the Motherlode Mine, where miners can obtain pay-dirt which can be processed for ore. Participating in the activities at such locations can net valuable resources, as well as a more engaging mining experience. Be sure to check for any exclusive events happening in these areas.

7. Theaters of Blood and Raids

While not purely focused on mining, various PvE activities like the Theaters of Blood or Raids can yield mining-related rewards, such as ores or mining tools. Collaborating with other players in these challenging environments can yield fantastic results, including unique items that benefit your mining endeavors.

To maximize your mining experience in OSRS, consider participating in these mining events and activities. Not only do they offer unique rewards and bonuses, but they also foster a sense of community among players with a shared interest in mining. Happy mining!

Tips for Efficient Mining

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be a rewarding experience, both in terms of skill training and financial gain. Here are some essential tips to help you maximize your efficiency while mining:

1. Choose the Right Location

Selecting the best mining spot is crucial for efficiency. Different locations offer various ores and have varying competition levels. Here are some recommended areas:

Mining Guild: Ideal for higher levels (up to 60). Offers access to coal, mithril, and adamantite ores.
Al Kharid Mine: A great spot for lower levels, featuring copper and tin ores with minimal competition.
Rimmington Mine: This area has multiple rocks close together, allowing for quick mining of clay and other ores.
Heroes’ Guild: Accessible after completing the Heroes’ Quest, it contains several good spots for adamantite and runite ores.

2. Use the Right Tools

The type of pickaxe you wield can significantly affect your mining speed. Ensure you have the best pickaxe available for your level:

Bronze/Iron Pickaxe: For levels 1-20.
Steel Pickaxe: For levels 20-30.
Mitre Pickaxe: For levels 30-50.
Adamant Pickaxe: For levels 50-70.
Rune Pickaxe: For levels 70 and above.

Don’t forget to upgrade to a Dragon Pickaxe at level 61 if you have it, which offers the best mining speed and a special attack to further accelerate your training.

3. Wear the Right Gear

Equipping items that enhance your mining experience can provide significant benefits:

Mining Helmet: Increases your mining efficiency.
Prospector Kit: Obtained from the Mining Guild, this set increases your experience gained while mining (2.5% bonus).
Mining Amulet: Such as the Amulet of Glory for teleports, or use the Mining Ring for additional benefits.

4. Plan Your Inventory

Carrying the right items in your inventory can save time:

Bring a Stamina Potion to maintain run energy.
A few anticompost potions can be helpful for transporting ores.
Use your Rune Pouch to store additional supplies.

Always keep track of your inventory space to avoid frequent trips to the bank.

5. Utilize Quests for Experience

Completing certain quests can provide substantial mining experience, helping you level up faster:

Waterfall Quest: Grants a huge experience boost for combat stats.
The Dig Site: Provides a significant mining experience reward.
Tai Bwo Wannai Trio: Offers experience rewards for completing miniquests.

6. Use Mining Profits Wisely

To keep your mining training efficient, turn your ores into bars using a furnace or sell them directly:

Smelt your ores into bars; this provides additional Smithing experience.
Market your ores at the Grand Exchange for a profit, especially rarer ores like mithril, adamantite, and runite.

7. Engage with Other Players

Join mining clans or groups for efficient resource sharing. Engaging with other players can provide:

Tips and tricks catered to specific mining needs.
Assistance with banking and mining locations.
Access to group events or mining parties, enhancing your experience gain.

By following these tips, you can ensure a more effective and enjoyable mining experience in OSRS. Happy mining!

Mining and the Grand Exchange

The Grand Exchange in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) serves as a central hub for trading items among players. As a miner, understanding the dynamics of the Grand Exchange can significantly enhance your skill development and profitability. Within this section, we will explore how mining interacts with the Grand Exchange, optimal trading practices, and tips for maximizing your profit margins.

The Role of Mining in the Grand Exchange

Mining is an essential skill in OSRS, allowing players to extract valuable resources such as ores, gems, and stones. These materials not only play a crucial role in various crafting and smithing recipes but can also be sold for a substantial profit at the Grand Exchange. Here are some of the most sought-after mining items:

Iron Ore: A staple for many players, iron ore is frequently used for crafting steel bars and gear. With high demand, it often sells quickly.
Gold Ore: Highly prized for crafting jewelry and refining into gold bars, gold ore tends to fetch a higher price compared to other ores.
Coal: Essential for smelting and smithing, coal is integral for producing steel bars and other metal products. Its consistent demand makes it a reliable income source.
Runite Ore: The most valuable of the ores, runite is in high demand for creating powerful weapons and armor, thus commanding a significantly higher price.
Gems: Various gems such as diamonds, emeralds, and rubies are not only valuable for crafting but are also used in various quests and activities.

Pricing and Market Trends

Prices at the Grand Exchange fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics. Players can track potential changes in the market to maximize their profits.

Research Prices: Before selling mined items, check the current Grand Exchange price for each item. Websites and community forums often provide price tracking and historical data.
Anticipate Changes: Market prices will shift depending on player activity and updates. Keep an eye on potential game updates that might influence item demand.
Bulk Selling: Sometimes, selling in bulk can yield higher profits. If you can gather a significant amount of an ore or resource, create a listing at a competitive price to attract buyers.

Tips for Successful Trading

To fully leverage the Grand Exchange as a miner, consider the following tips:

Timing: Be aware of peak in-game activities, such as major updates or events, which can influence the number of players engaging in trades.
Know Your Competition: Monitor the current listings to ensure your prices remain competitive. Overpricing may lead to an unsold inventory, while underpricing can result in lost profits.
Diversify Your Inventory: Don’t rely solely on one resource. A varied selection of ores and gems can help maintain consistent sales.
Use Merchants: Some players specialize in flipping items for profit. You might consider networking with merchants to learn their techniques and find potential partnerships.

Conclusion

Mining can yield significant benefits when paired with effective trading strategies at the Grand Exchange. By understanding market dynamics, monitoring item prices, and applying smart buying and selling techniques, you can turn your mining endeavors into a thriving source of income in OSRS. Happy mining and trading!