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 RuneScape gold 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 cheap Runescape gold 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.