Ultimate Guide to Mining in OSRS: From 1 to 99

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a journey of progress, strategy, and perseverance. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, reaching level 99 Mining is a significant achievement that requires a well-thought-out plan. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most efficient methods to train your Mining skill from level 1 to 99. We’ll explore various training methods, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide you with tips to maximize your experience gains and minimize your time investment.

Getting Started: Levels 1-15
At the very beginning, your primary goal is to reach level 15 Mining. Start by mining Copper and Tin ores at the Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock south-east mining site. These ores are plentiful and require minimal skill to extract. Mining these ores will provide you with the basic experience needed to progress to the next stages.

Levels 15-99: The Road to Mastery
Once you reach level 15, you can begin mining Iron ore, which offers a better experience rate compared to Copper and Tin. Iron ore can be mined at various locations such as the Mining Guild, which provides the added benefit of a 7% experience boost and access to a bank deposit box for convenient storage.

As you progress, consider the following methods to optimize your Mining experience:

1. Power Mining: This technique involves dropping ores instead of banking them, which significantly speeds up the mining process. Power mining is most effective at Iron ore sites like the Mining Guild or the Al Kharid mining site. With high levels of stamina and a good pickaxe, you can reach 99 Mining more quickly by minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

2. Mining Guild and the 3-tick Method: For those seeking a more advanced approach, using the 3-tick method in the Mining Guild can provide an excellent experience rate. This method involves rapidly switching between actions to increase your mining speed. Combining this with a rune or dragon pickaxe and wearing the Varrock armor for additional experience bonuses can further enhance your progress.

3. Volcanic Mine: At level 70 Mining, the Volcanic Mine becomes available. This minigame provides a unique and interactive way to mine ores, with the added benefit of gaining Mining experience. The Volcanic Mine is ideal for those who prefer a more engaging and varied training method.

4. LRC (Living Rock Caverns): The Living Rock Caverns, available at level 77 Mining, offer a highly efficient mining experience. Here, you can mine Living Rock creatures for ores, which provide significant experience gains. Utilizing the efficient mining spots and wearing the appropriate gear can help you achieve higher experience rates in this location.

Experience Rates and Tools
Understanding the experience rates for different mining methods is crucial for optimizing your training. Below is a table comparing the experience rates for various mining methods:

Method	Average XP per Hour
Copper & Tin Ores	10,000 XP
Iron Ore (Power Mining)	30,000 XP
Volcanic Mine	25,000 XP
Living Rock Caverns	35,000 XP

To maximize your efficiency, use the best available pickaxes. The higher the pickaxe level, the faster you can mine ores. Consider the following pickaxes and their benefits:

• Bronze/Iron Pickaxe: Basic pickaxes, ideal for early levels.
• Rune Pickaxe: Offers faster mining speed and is a good choice for mid-level training.
• Dragon Pickaxe: Provides a significant boost to mining speed and is highly recommended for higher levels.
• 3rd Age Pickaxe: The best pickaxe available, offering the fastest mining speed and efficiency.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use the Best Gear: Equip mining gear that increases your experience gains. The Varrock armor, available from the Varrock achievements, provides experience bonuses and is invaluable for efficient training.
2. Consider Bonuses: Utilize experience-boosting items such as the Mining cape, which provides an additional experience bonus when worn.
3. Regular Breaks: Mining can be repetitive. Take regular breaks to maintain your focus and prevent burnout.

Conclusion
Reaching level 99 Mining in OSRS is a considerable achievement that requires dedication and strategy. By following this guide, utilizing the most efficient mining methods, and employing the right tools and gear, you can achieve your goal more effectively. Remember to adapt your approach based on your preferences and play style, and most importantly, enjoy the journey as you progress through the ranks of Old School RuneScape.