OSRS Mining Update: Latest Changes and Tips for Efficient Training

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the core skills used by players to gather ores, gems, and minerals. Recently, Jagex introduced several updates to the mining skill that have significantly impacted how players train and interact with the mining system. This article provides an in-depth look at the latest changes, efficient training methods, and tips to optimize your mining experience in OSRS.

Introduction to Mining in OSRS

Mining has always been a fundamental skill in OSRS, crucial for gathering materials for smithing, crafting, and selling ores for profit. The skill allows players to extract various ores like iron, coal, gold, and runite from rocks located across Gielinor. Players often spend hours mining to either boost their experience or collect resources for use in other skills. However, with recent changes, the way players approach mining has evolved, leading to new strategies and more efficient training methods.

Latest Mining Updates

Jagex recently introduced several key changes to the mining skill, affecting everything from the experience rate to the mechanics of the motherlode mine and other popular mining locations. Here are some of the most significant updates:

1. Mining Guild Expansion

The Mining Guild has been expanded, providing players with access to new resources and opportunities. Not only does the guild offer a boost in mining experience, but it also gives access to exclusive ores like amethyst, a highly valuable material used for fletching and crafting.

• Amethyst Mining: Amethyst is a slow but steady method of mining, offering decent experience and high-value ores. While it requires a mining level of 92 to mine, amethyst provides valuable resources for both skilling and selling on the Grand Exchange. The expansion of the Mining Guild has made amethyst more accessible to players looking for endgame mining methods.

2. Motherlode Mine Rework

The Motherlode Mine has seen several updates aimed at improving the quality of life for players training mining in this location. The key changes include:

• Improved Ore Veins: The ore veins now deplete less frequently, allowing for more consistent mining without needing to constantly search for new veins. This has made the Motherlode Mine a more reliable option for players seeking a semi-AFK training method.
• Higher Pay-Dirt Yield: The amount of pay-dirt processed has been slightly increased, leading to more ores being obtained per hour of mining. This, in turn, increases the overall profitability and experience gained from using the Motherlode Mine.

3. Mining Experience Rates

Mining experience rates have also been adjusted, particularly for lower-level ores like copper and tin. Jagex has increased the experience gained from these ores, making it easier for new players to level up the mining skill in the early stages of the game. This change aims to reduce the grind for newer players while still maintaining the challenge and reward structure for higher-level ores like runite and amethyst.

Efficient Mining Training Methods

With the recent updates, players now have several options to efficiently train mining based on their goals, whether it's maximizing experience per hour or focusing on gathering valuable ores.

1. Power Mining Iron Ores (Levels 15-99)

One of the most popular and efficient methods of training mining is power mining iron ores. This method involves mining iron ores at locations with multiple ore rocks and dropping them instantly, allowing players to quickly move on to the next ore.

• Best Locations: Al Kharid, Mining Guild, and the Piscarilius mine.
• Experience Rates: Up to 40,000 XP per hour at lower levels and up to 65,000 XP per hour at higher levels.

2. Motherlode Mine (Levels 30+)

For players who prefer a more relaxed and AFK-friendly method of mining, the Motherlode Mine is a solid option. While the experience rates are lower than power mining, players can gain valuable ores like gold, mithril, and adamantite.

• Experience Rates: Around 20,000-35,000 XP per hour, depending on level and pay-dirt yield.

3. Gem Rocks (Levels 40+)

Gem rocks in Shilo Village and the Mining Guild are a profitable and decent XP method for mid-level players. Gem rocks provide valuable gems like sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, which can be sold for profit or used in crafting.

• Experience Rates: Around 35,000 XP per hour.
• Profitability: High, due to the value of gems mined.

4. Blast Mine (Levels 75+)

For players seeking both high experience rates and profitability, the Blast Mine on Karamja is an excellent choice. The Blast Mine allows players to mine ores faster than traditional methods and yields higher-value ores such as runite and adamantite.

• Experience Rates: Around 50,000-70,000 XP per hour.
• Profitability: Very high, particularly with higher-level ores like runite and adamantite.

5. Mining Amethyst (Levels 92+)

For high-level players, amethyst mining in the Mining Guild is one of the best endgame methods for both experience and profit. Amethyst ores are used for fletching amethyst arrows and bolts, making them highly valuable in the player market.

• Experience Rates: Around 20,000 XP per hour.
• Profitability: Extremely high due to the value of amethyst ores.

Tips for Maximizing Mining Efficiency

To make the most of your mining experience, consider these tips:

1. Use the Best Pickaxe Available

Always use the best pickaxe you can wield, as higher-tier pickaxes mine ores faster and increase experience rates. For example, the Dragon Pickaxe is one of the best in the game, providing both speed and a special attack that boosts your mining level temporarily.

2. Wear the Prospector Outfit

The Prospector Outfit is available at the Motherlode Mine and provides a 2.5% bonus to mining experience when the full set is worn. It's highly recommended for players training mining long-term, as the bonus adds up over time.

3. Utilize Mining Boosts

Mining boosts like the Dwarven Stout or Dragon Pickaxe special attack can help you mine ores faster, especially in high-competition areas like the Wilderness Resource Area or Rune Rocks. Additionally, using stat-boosting prayers like Preserve can extend the duration of temporary boosts.

4. AFK Mining Methods

For players who prefer a more relaxed approach, semi-AFK methods like mining at the Motherlode Mine or mining amethyst are great options. These methods allow you to gain experience while performing other tasks, making them ideal for players who can't actively focus on the game for long periods.

Conclusion

The recent mining updates in OSRS have brought new life to the skill, offering players more efficient ways to train and profit. Whether you're looking to power mine for maximum experience or relax with AFK-friendly methods like the Motherlode Mine, there's something for every player. By taking advantage of the latest changes and optimizing your strategy, you can master the mining skill and reap the rewards of Gielinor's abundant resources.