OSRS Mining training guide
Extracts ore for Smithing, and one of the most reliable low-requirement money makers.
About Mining
Mining supplies the raw material for Smithing and feeds a large part of the economy. Iron, coal, gold and the higher-tier ores all have steady demand on the Grand Exchange.
It is a click-intensive skill at high rates and a genuinely relaxing one at low rates, which makes it unusually flexible depending on how much attention you want to give it.
Fastest training
Rates assume an attentive player with the gear and unlocks that make each method work. Real sessions include banking, breaks and mistakes.
Motherlode Mine
Steady experience, no banking pressure and it produces a mix of ores plus the prospector outfit. The default answer for most players.
Three-tick granite or sandstone
The fastest Mining experience available, but it requires precise tick manipulation and constant attention. Not for background play.
Iron ore at the Ardougne mine
Powermining iron with three rocks in a triangle is fast, simple and free.
Other approaches
- Cheapest
- All of Mining is free to train — a pickaxe is the only cost.
- Profitable
- Gold ore, coal and the volcanic ash all sell steadily. Amethyst at level 92 is a strong low-effort earner.
- AFK
- Amethyst and granite are the closest Mining gets to AFK, with roughly a click every few seconds.
- Free-to-play
- Iron ore at the Al Kharid or Varrock mines, then coal. Free players can bank iron for a modest income.
Useful quests
Quest experience is often worth far more than the time it takes, particularly at low levels where the curve is shallowest.
- Doric's QuestBring a dwarf some ore. A large early Mining experience reward for very little work.1,300 xp
- Dragon Slayer IIThe quest that unlocks Vorkath. A major milestone for any account building toward consistent PvM income.18,000 xp
- The Dig SiteA large Mining experience reward and the prerequisite for Bone Voyage.15,300 xp
- Between a Rock...Rewards 2 quest points, 5,000 Defence experience, 5,000 Mining experience and A rune pickaxe.5,000 xp
- The Lost TribeRewards 1 quest point, Access to the Dorgesh-Kaan mine and A ring of life.
- Fallen From GraceRewards 2 quest points, 12,500 Sailing experience, 10,000 Crafting experience and Access to a new Slayer Master.5,000 xp
Making money with Mining
- Amethyst miningMine amethyst in the Mining Guild for consistent, near-AFK income.Level 92
- Iron ore miningMine and bank iron ore. Available at Mining 15 with no other requirements at all.Level 15
- Gold ore miningMine and bank gold ore. A step up from iron for free players, available at Mining 40.Level 40
- Motherlode MineMine pay-dirt for a mix of ores and the prospector outfit. Steady rather than spectacular, and very forgiving.Level 30