Mining is one of the most iconic skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), offering players the ability to gather ores, which are essential for crafting weapons, armor, and various items. Whether you're a newcomer looking to explore the mining skill or an experienced player aiming to optimize your mining efficiency, this ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need to know. From the basics of mining to the best locations, equipment, and methods for leveling up quickly, you'll be fully prepared to embark on your mining journey in Gielinor.

What is Mining in OSRS?

Mining in OSRS gold is the skill used to extract ores and gems from various rocks throughout the game world. These ores are then smelted into bars, which can be used to craft various items, including armor and weapons. Mining also grants valuable resources that can be sold for gold, and some ores, like Runite, are incredibly valuable due to their rarity.

Mining XP is earned by successfully mining ores from rocks, and the amount of experience gained depends on the type of ore mined and the efficiency with which you mine it. With the right tools, mining can be a highly profitable and rewarding skill to level up.

The Basics of Mining

Before diving into the specifics of mining, it's important to understand the basics:

Pickaxe: The primary tool used to mine ores. The type of pickaxe you wield will affect how quickly you can mine. Higher-tier pickaxes have faster mining speeds, meaning you can gather ores more efficiently.

Mining Rocks: Different types of mining rocks contain different ores. You can mine these rocks as long as you have the required mining level to mine the specific ore. Rocks regenerate after a short period, allowing you to continue mining.

Mining Levels: You need a certain level of mining to access different ores and rocks. As you increase your mining level, you'll be able to mine higher-tier ores and use better pickaxes.

Now, let's explore how to progress in Mining from the beginning all the way to level 99.

1. Levels 1-15: The Early Grind

When you're first starting out in Mining, you'll have limited options for ores and locations. The goal in this early phase is to mine copper and tin ores, which are available at level 1 Mining.

Recommended Locations:

Varrock South-east Mining Site: This area has both copper and tin rocks, and it's near a bank, making it convenient for banking your ores.

Lumbridge Swamp: Accessible early on, this location offers a few copper and tin rocks, and you can deposit ores at the nearby Lumbridge Bank.

At level 15, you'll unlock the ability to mine iron ore. The next step is to focus on mining iron ore until you reach level 30.

2. Levels 15-99: Power-mining Iron Ore (Levels 15-99)

Once you reach level 15, your primary focus should be on mining iron ore. Iron is one of the most efficient ores to mine for experience, and there are several mining strategies to maximize your XP gains.

Recommended Locations:

Mining Guild (Level 60 Required): Once you reach level 60, the Mining Guild becomes a great spot to mine iron ore. The Mining Guild has several iron rocks and provides a 7% experience boost, making it ideal for efficient mining. Additionally, if you have a Varrock Armour, you'll gain an additional experience boost.

Al Kharid: This is another great location for low-level iron miners. There are several iron rocks near the Al Kharid bank, which allows you to mine and bank your ores quickly.

Living Rock Caverns (Level 77 Required): Once you reach level 77, the Living Rock Caverns become a top spot for mining coal and gold ores, but iron remains a viable option for players looking for fast experience.

Power-mining Iron Ore

For maximum efficiency, power-mining is the most recommended method for leveling up Mining at higher levels. Power-mining is a technique that involves dropping ores instead of banking them, saving time and increasing your XP per hour. Here's how you can power-mine:

Equip the highest-level pickaxe you can afford. A Rune pickaxe or Dragon pickaxe will speed up your mining.

Head to a location with iron rocks.

Drop the ores instead of banking them. This saves time running to the buy OSRS gold bank, significantly increasing your XP/hour.

Use banking methods for important ores you want to keep.