OSRS Mining Guide 2026: How to Get 99 Mining Fast

Mining remains one of the most classic gathering skills in Old School RuneScape. With just a pickaxe and some patience, players can gather ores and minerals used for Smithing, Crafting, and other skills. While Mining used to be a strong money maker, modern PvM drops have reduced its profitability for main accounts. However, it remains extremely valuable for Ironman players who rely on gathering their own resources. Having enough RuneScape gold can be a great help to you.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best methods to train Mining from level 1 to 99 in 2026, including AFK training, faster methods, and the most efficient routes to reach max level.

Skipping the Slow Early Levels

Early Mining levels are notoriously slow. Because of this, the best way to begin training is actually through questing rather than traditional mining.

Several early quests provide significant Mining experience and allow players to skip the painful low levels. Before starting them, you should prepare a few basic requirements:

Level 5 Thieving (pickpocketing men and women)

Level 25 Thieving from cake stalls in Ardougne

Level 10 Herblore via the Druidic Ritual quest and making attack potions

Level 10 Agility from early quests or rooftop courses

These small requirements unlock some important quests that give large Mining experience rewards.

Questing to Level 33 Mining

The first key quest is Plague City, located in Ardougne. Completing this quest instantly boosts your Mining level from 1 to around 15, saving a lot of early grinding.

Next, travel to the Dwarven Mine north of Falador and collect the materials needed for Doric’s Quest:

6 Clay

4 Copper Ore

2 Iron Ore

Once completed, Doric’s Quest will raise your Mining level to about 18.

The final quest for early training is The Dig Site, which requires the skills mentioned earlier. Completing this quest rewards a massive 15,300 Mining experience, bringing your level all the way up to 33 Mining.

This questing route is widely considered the best way to skip the slowest part of the skill.

Alternative Early Mining (Levels 1–30)

If you prefer traditional training instead of quests, you can start mining basic ores:

Levels 1–15: Mine Tin and Copper

Levels 15–30: Mine Iron Ore

A newer method introduced in recent updates is mining lead in the Pandemonium caves. This method offers a slightly better experience than iron while allowing players to bank their resources nearby for a small profit.

Once you reach level 30, the early game is essentially complete, and better training options become available.

Essential Mining Equipment

Before diving into training methods, there are several important items that significantly improve Mining efficiency:

Pickaxes – Higher-tier pickaxes mine faster. Dragon, Crystal, and Third Age pickaxes also provide special attacks that temporarily boost Mining levels.

Celestial Ring – Obtained from Shooting Stars, this ring gives an invisible Mining boost and occasionally grants extra resources.

Prospector Outfit – Earned at the Motherlode Mine, wearing the full set provides a 2.5% Mining experience bonus.

Varrock Armor – From the Varrock Diary, this armor can occasionally double ore when mining.

Expert Mining Gloves – These prevent certain rocks from depleting immediately, allowing longer mining sessions.

Together, these items greatly improve both experience rates and resource gathering.

Low-Intensity (AFK) Mining Methods

For players who prefer relaxed training, several AFK methods provide steady experience with minimal effort.

Motherlode Mine (Level 30+)

The Motherlode Mine in the Dwarven Mines is one of the most popular Mining training methods.

Players mine ore veins for Pay-dirt, deposit it in a hopper, and collect processed ores later. While experience rates are moderate, the method provides useful resources and gold nuggets used to unlock upgrades and the Prospector outfit.

Many players train here from level 30 all the way to 99 due to its relaxed gameplay.

Shooting Stars

Shooting stars is another extremely AFK activity. When a star lands in Gielinor, players can mine it for several minutes with almost no interaction.

This method offers roughly 20,000 XP per hour, but it rewards Stardust, which can be traded for useful items, including the Celestial Ring.

Shooting Stars are particularly popular for mobile players.

Calcified Rocks

Unlocked after the Perilous Moons quest, this method takes place in Cam Torum. Players mine walls for calcified deposits and bone shards, which can later be processed for Prayer experience.

This hybrid method provides both Mining and Prayer training while maintaining relatively low intensity.

Amethyst Mining (Level 92+)

At level 92 Mining, players unlock Amethyst in the Mining Guild.

This method offers around 20–25k XP per hour, but it produces valuable resources used to craft high-tier ammunition. It’s a relaxed training option for players approaching level 99.

Medium-Intensity Mining Methods

These methods require slightly more attention but provide better experience rates.

Power Mining Iron

Mining iron ore is a classic training method. Players mine iron and immediately drop it to maximize experience.

In the Mining Guild, iron rocks respawn quickly, allowing players to rotate between three rocks for efficient training.

Gem Rocks (Shilo Village)

Gem rocks are another mid-level method. Players mine rocks that yield various gems used for Crafting.

Wearing an Amulet of Glory increases the chance of receiving gems, and the Gem Bag can help store them efficiently.

Sandstone Mining

At the Desert Quarry, players can mine sandstone for buckets of sand used in Crafting training. This method is particularly valuable for Ironman accounts that need large quantities of sand.

Experience rates can reach around 50k XP per hour.

High-Intensity Mining Methods

Players looking for the fastest experience rates will need more click-intensive training.

Blast Mine

Located in Lovakengj, the Blast Mine uses dynamite to break rocks and gather ores. This method allows players to obtain higher-level ores earlier than usual.

Experience rates are solid, though profits are modest compared to older versions of the game.

Volcanic Mine

The Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island is a team-based activity where players stabilize a volcano while mining a large central rock.

When done efficiently in groups, this method can provide up to 90k XP per hour, making it one of the best high-level training options.

3-Tick Granite (Fastest XP)

The fastest Mining method in the game is 3-tick granite mining in the desert quarry.

This technique uses tick manipulation to mine granite much faster than normal. Skilled players can reach over 110,000 XP per hour, though the method is extremely click-intensive and provides almost no profit.

Recommended 1–99 Mining Path

Here is a balanced leveling path:

Levels 1–33: Questing route

Levels 33–45: Power mining iron ore

Levels 45–99: 3-tick granite (fastest method)

Alternative training options include:

Motherlode Mine for resources

Shooting Stars for AFK training

Volcanic Mine for team-based gameplay

Final Thoughts

Mining in Old School RuneScape offers a wide variety of training styles. Whether you prefer AFK methods like Shooting Stars or high-speed techniques like 3-tick granite, there’s a path that fits every playstyle. Having a large amount of cheap Runescape gold can be very helpful to you.

While Mining may not be the most profitable skill anymore, it remains essential for quest requirements, achievement diaries, and Ironman progression. With the many training options available in 2026, reaching level 99 Mining is more flexible and enjoyable than ever before.