OSRS Mining XP per Hour: The Ultimate Guide

OSRS mining is one of the most essential skills, not only because it provides the materials necessary for Smithing but also due to its potential for earning gold and making progress through the game. For those who are striving to level up quickly and maximize their experience per hour (XP/hr), knowing which methods and locations provide the most efficient mining XP is essential. This comprehensive guide dives into the best mining methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), breaking down the XP rates and techniques to optimize your mining progression. Whether you're looking to gain experience as a Free-to-Play (F2P) player or as a member, this guide covers both options.

Maximizing XP: Focus on Power Mining

One of the most effective methods for boosting mining XP/hr is power mining. This involves mining an ore, immediately dropping it (instead of banking), and moving on to the next rock. The absence of banking in power mining allows players to maintain consistent mining action, drastically improving XP rates. Here are some popular choices for power mining:

Iron Ore (45,000 - 60,000 XP/hr)

Iron ore is by far the most popular ore to power mine. It's available in multiple locations and respawns quickly, allowing players to mine efficiently. Experienced players can achieve up to 60,000 XP/hr when using Tick Manipulation.

• Optimal Locations:
  • Al Kharid Mine (F2P)
  • Mining Guild (Members)
  • Dwarven Mine (F2P)

Using a Rune Pickaxe with high levels (above 70) is recommended for maximizing XP gain.

Granite (75,000 - 90,000 XP/hr)

If you're a member and have progressed beyond level 45 mining, Granite becomes the best option for XP farming. Mining granite in the Desert Quarry with 3-tick manipulation can push XP rates up to 90,000 XP/hr. Here's why it's effective:

• The 3-tick manipulation method allows you to reset the mining action timer more frequently, resulting in faster mining cycles.
• It's essential to bring waterskins or the Desert Amulet 4 to avoid dehydration damage while mining in the desert.

Granite mining is more challenging than iron, but for those who master the 3-tick method, the XP rates are incomparable.

Volcanic Mine (100,000 - 120,000 XP/hr)

For advanced players looking for the highest XP rates in OSRS, the Volcanic Mine offers an impressive 100,000 - 120,000 XP/hr. The caveat is that it requires a lot of attention and precision.

• Access: Players must have at least level 50 mining and be a member of the Lovakengj House on Zeah.
• Strategy: Working in teams to reduce the amount of mining downtime and maintaining an organized approach to resource management is key. Players need to ensure they keep cooling crystals active to manage the mine’s temperature.

The Volcanic Mine offers some of the best mining XP in the game, but its complexity makes it less suitable for those who prefer AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods.

AFK Mining Methods: Balancing XP with Relaxation

While power mining provides the best XP/hr, it requires constant attention. For players who want a more relaxed gaming experience, there are AFK methods that yield decent XP while allowing you to multitask.

Motherlode Mine (20,000 - 55,000 XP/hr)

Motherlode Mine is perfect for those who want to AFK and gain useful rewards. This location provides an XP rate of 20,000 - 55,000/hr depending on your level and the equipment you use. It's not as fast as power mining, but the rewards in the form of gold nuggets make it appealing for those who want to bank ores for Smithing or crafting gems.

• Requirements: At least level 30 mining is needed to enter the Motherlode Mine.
• Rewards: Aside from XP, players can earn gold nuggets which can be exchanged for the Prospector's Outfit, which provides an XP boost when fully equipped.

Amethyst (20,000 - 25,000 XP/hr)

For players who have achieved level 92 mining, Amethyst becomes available. Though its XP rate of 20,000 - 25,000 XP/hr isn't impressive, it offers good AFK potential, and the ores can be sold for a high price.

• Location: The Mining Guild in Falador is the only place where Amethyst can be mined.
• Recommendation: Since the mining process is slow, this is an ideal method for players who want to watch a show or focus on another activity while slowly gaining XP.

Tick Manipulation: A Secret Weapon

For those serious about maximizing XP, tick manipulation is a game-changer. This advanced technique works by forcing a mining action to occur faster than usual by manipulating the game's tick system. Normally, mining an ore has a standard cycle (or tick rate) before it succeeds or fails. By using items like the guam leaf or herb tar, players can interrupt this cycle, making the next mining action occur sooner.

How to Perform 3-Tick Manipulation:

1. Set-Up: Equip an item that produces a delay, like a guam leaf or herb tar.
2. Activate: Use the item and start mining. The tick reset will occur, allowing you to mine faster than the default cycle.
3. Practice: It requires time and precision to master, but the payoff is significant, especially when mining iron or granite.

XP Table by Level and Method

Level	Ore/Method	XP/Hour (Power Mining)	XP/Hour (AFK)	Notes
1-15	Copper/Tin	5,000 - 10,000	3,000	Mine in Lumbridge Swamp
15-45	Iron	45,000 - 60,000	20,000	Best XP at Mining Guild
45-99	Granite	75,000 - 90,000	N/A	Desert Quarry, use waterskins
50+	Volcanic Mine	100,000 - 120,000	N/A	High intensity, group activity
30+	Motherlode Mine	N/A	20,000 - 55,000	Best AFK, gold nugget rewards
92+	Amethyst	N/A	20,000 - 25,000	Slow XP, high GP per hour

Essential Tools and Boosts

To maximize mining XP per hour, it’s important to invest in the right tools and equipment.

• Dragon Pickaxe: Provides a +3 boost to mining level and speeds up the rate of mining. The special attack increases mining speed even further for a short period.
• Prospector's Outfit: Available from Motherlode Mine, this outfit increases mining XP by 2.5% when the full set is worn.
• Mining Gloves: These gloves provide a chance of not depleting a rock when mining ores, meaning you can spend more time mining and less time waiting for respawns.

Conclusion: The Path to 99 Mining

Reaching level 99 mining in OSRS is a journey that requires both patience and strategy. Whether you opt for power mining iron ore for quick XP or choose the AFK-friendly routes like Motherlode Mine, each method has its merits. Tick manipulation, while more advanced, offers players the chance to push XP rates beyond their typical limits. To make the most of your mining efforts, choosing the right locations, equipment, and techniques is key. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a mining master in Old School RuneScape.