OSRS Mining Guide
Build a high-confidence Mining training plan
Updated March 2026
There is no single best Mining route for everyone. The right method depends on whether you prioritize speed, relaxed sessions, or resource value. Pick your lane first, then execute to the next milestone.
What Is Your Best Mining Method Right Now?
Choose your route first: fastest XP, balanced progression, alternative utility, or Ironman value. Commit until your next checkpoint.
Choose Your Planning Track
- Fastest XPPower Mining RouteHighest XP approach with active dropping and minimal downtime.Low
- Balanced MainRecommended AFK PathSteady progression that balances XP, consistency, and account utility.Low
- Alternative UtilityMotherlode + StarsLower-intensity methods with useful resources and less click pressure.Low
- Ironman ValueResource-First MiningRoute focused on ore value and self-sufficient progression over pure XP.Low
Method Comparison Arena
Compare speed, intensity, and value so you can pick the method you will actually sustain.
- FastestHighCost: LowIntensity: HighUse when: You want the quickest 99 and can stay activeAvoid when: You prefer low-attention sessions
- BalancedMedium to HighCost: LowIntensity: MediumUse when: You want sustainable progression with strong consistencyAvoid when: You only care about max XP/hr
- AlternativeMediumCost: LowIntensity: Low to MediumUse when: You want calmer training and side resourcesAvoid when: You are racing for level breakpoints
- IronmanMediumCost: LowIntensity: MediumUse when: You value ore bank and self-sufficient progressionAvoid when: You are optimizing only for speed
High-Confidence Training Routes
Milestones That Matter
- 15: Power-mining route becomes practical.
- 30: Motherlode route opens.
- 60: Midgame consistency and utility improve.
- 72: Higher-value ore paths get better.
- 85: Runite and endgame value unlocks.
Execution Checklist
- Pick a route based on focus tolerance, not hype.
- Use gear upgrades at major breakpoints only.
- Switch methods only when gains are meaningful.
- Re-plan at 30, 60, and 85.
⚒️ Mining Gear & Equipment
Pickaxes
Always use the best pickaxe for your level. The Dragon Pickaxe (61 Mining) is 5.88% faster than Rune, and the Crystal Pickaxe (Song of the Elves) is 3.03% faster than Dragon.
- • Level 1: Bronze/Iron Pickaxe
- • Level 6: Steel Pickaxe
- • Level 21: Mithril Pickaxe
- • Level 31: Adamant Pickaxe
- • Level 41: Rune Pickaxe
- • Level 61: Dragon Pickaxe (~750k GP)
- • Song of the Elves: Crystal Pickaxe (requires charging)
Prospector Outfit
Obtained from Motherlode Mine for 180 golden nuggets. Provides 2.5% XP boost with full set.
Celestial Ring
Obtained from Shooting Stars for 2,000 Stardust (less than 2 hours). Provides invisible +4 Mining level boost.
Varrock Armour
Reward from Varrock Achievement Diaries. Provides 10% chance to mine 2 ores at once. Elite diary required for all ore types.
Mining Gloves
Purchased in Mining Guild with unidentified minerals. Prevents ore depletion 1-3 times (depending on tier).
📜 Quest Shortcuts (Levels 1-33)
Skip the early grind with these quick quests:
Complete at least Doric's Quest and Plague City. The Dig Site is highly recommended as it's part of the Fossil Island quest series.
😴 Recommended AFK Path
This path prioritizes low-effort, AFK-friendly methods perfect for multi-tasking.
Levels 1-15: Copper & Tin Ore
Alternative to questing
Location: Varrock Mine or Lumbridge Swamp
Method: Enable shift-drop and drop all ores
Tip: Varrock Mine is recommended for proximity to multiple rocks
Levels 15-30: Iron Ore
Fast XP with powermining
Best Locations:
- • Ardougne Monastery (Ardougne cloak teleport)
- • Varrock Mine (Chronicle teleport)
- • Al Kharid Mine (Ring of Dueling)
Method: Drop ores to avoid banking
Levels 30-65: Motherlode Mine
AFK, profitable, and unlocks Prospector outfit
Location: Underneath Falador Party Room (Dwarven Mines)
How it Works:
- 1. Mine Ore Veins scattered around the mine
- 2. Deposit Pay-Dirt into the hopper when full
- 3. Collect cleaned ores from the sack
- 4. Bank using the deposit box
Upgrade Priority:
- • Upper Level (100 nuggets) - Unlocked at 72 Mining for longer veins
- • Upper Level Hopper (50 nuggets)
- • Prospector Outfit (180 nuggets total)
💰 Profit: 50k/hr at level 30, 90k/hr at 60, 300k/hr at 90
Levels 65-99: Shooting Stars ⭐ RECOMMENDED
Most AFK method - up to 7 minutes between clicks
How it Works:
Crashed Stars come in Tiers 1-9. Each tier has layers that take 7 minutes of AFK mining. At level 65, you can mine Tier 6 stars and below.
Finding Stars:
- • Use the Shooting Stars Tracker website
- • Join "Star Miners" Discord or FC
- • Install "Shooting Stars Info" RuneLite plugin
Rewards:
- • Celestial Ring (2,000 Stardust) - +4 Mining boost
- • Star Dust for Mining Guild rewards
🎮 Perfect for: Work, Alt-scaping, Netflix, or other activities. Set your idle notifier for 7-minute warnings!
⚡ Fastest Way to 99 Mining
For players who want to reach 99 Mining as quickly as possible (no tick manipulation).
Levels 1-15: Quests
Complete quest shortcuts mentioned above
Levels 15-70: Powermining Iron
Fastest early-game XP
Levels 15-60: Ardougne Monastery
Levels 60-70: Mining Guild (for +7 boost and 2x respawn rate)
Pro Tip: Use Dragon Pickaxe special at level 57 to enter Mining Guild early
Levels 70-99: Volcanic Mine
Fastest Mining XP in the game
Requirements:
- • 70 Mining
- • Bone Voyage Quest (Fossil Island access)
- • 150 Kudos at Varrock Museum
- • 40 Prayer (Protect from Missiles)
- • 70+ Hitpoints recommended
- • 30 Numulite per game
Team Finding:
Join the Volcanic Mine Discord to find teams. Import RuneLite tile markers for optimal efficiency.
⚠️ Note: Has a learning curve and is much easier in small teams. Use the Discord to find experienced players.
💎 Alternative Training Methods
Profitable and unique alternatives for variety:
Levels 75-99: Blast Mine
Fast XP and excellent profit after Mining Rework
Location: Lovakengj
Requirements: 75 Mining, 100% Lovakengj Favour
Benefit: One of the most profitable mining methods while maintaining great XP rates
Levels 61-99: Gem Rocks
Excellent for Ironman Crafting XP
Location: Shilo Village underground (Hard Karamja Diary for bank)
Teleport: Karamja Gloves 3
Ironman Benefit: 2.6M Crafting XP from 65-92 Mining at Gem Rocks
Levels 92-99: Amethyst
Very AFK and profitable
Location: Mining Guild
Total Profit 92-99: 126M GP (~325 hours)
Best for: Players who prioritize AFK and profit over speed
🔨 Ironman Mining Guide
This path prioritizes gathering resources for Crafting (not Smithing - buy Gold Ore at Blast Furnace instead).
Recommended Path:
- • Levels 1-30: Quests
- • Levels 30-65: Motherlode Mine (gather coal & ores)
- • Levels 65-92: Shooting Stars (2.5M Crafting XP from gem packs with glory)
- • Levels 92-99: Amethyst (1.6M Crafting XP + 1.6M Fletching XP from dart tips)
High-Effort Alternative:
Replace Shooting Stars with Gem Rocks (65-92) for 2.6M Crafting XP instead of 2.5M.
Expected Crafting Level: ~92 by the time you reach 99 Mining📊 Mining Calculator
Calculate your Mining training needs with our dedicated calculator:
Calculate:
- ✓ Ores needed for your level goal
- ✓ Expected XP rates
- ✓ Time to reach 99
- ✓ Profit/loss estimates
Features:
- ✓ All mining methods
- ✓ Real-time GE prices
- ✓ Equipment bonuses
- ✓ Custom level ranges
Frequently Asked Questions
01What's the fastest way to 99 Mining?
Volcanic Mine at 70-99 (90k XP/hr) with powermining Iron from 15-70 (60k XP/hr). Total time: ~165 hours.
02What's the most AFK Mining method?
Shooting Stars from 65-99. Up to 7 minutes between clicks while getting 30k XP/hr. Perfect for multi-tasking.
03Is Mining profitable?
Yes! Blast Mine (750k GP/hr), Gem Rocks (400-700k GP/hr), and Amethyst (400k GP/hr) are all profitable. Even Motherlode Mine makes 50-300k GP/hr.
04Should I get the Prospector outfit?
Yes, the 2.5% XP boost saves about 6 hours to 99. You'll naturally obtain it training at Motherlode Mine from 30-65.
05When should I buy a Dragon Pickaxe?
At 61 Mining. It's 5.88% faster than Rune (~750k GP). Crystal Pickaxe is 3.03% faster but expensive and requires charging.
06What's better for Ironmen: Shooting Stars or Gem Rocks?
Shooting Stars (65-92) for low effort with 2.5M Crafting XP, or Gem Rocks for high effort with 2.6M Crafting XP. Both leave you around 92 Crafting at 99 Mining.
07How do I find Shooting Stars?
Use the Shooting Stars Tracker website, join "Star Miners" Discord/FC, or install the "Shooting Stars Info" RuneLite plugin.
📚 Related Guides
Darren started playing the original RuneScape 2 back in the day and came back when Old School RuneScape launched. He's played on and off over the years and built OSRSToolkit to give players a single place to find reliable tools, calculators, and guides — all informed by real in-game experience.