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Runescape Mining Guide
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Copyright 2004-2006 Scott Moore
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web
site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a
violation of copyright.
Please E-mail me at sgm1990@gmail.com if you see this used on another site.
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Version History
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Version 1.0 - finished on (19/02/2005)
Version 1.1 - slight changes, Gem section and Limestone ore added (30/05/2005)
Version 1.2 - a few typos fixed, 'Dr Ford' added to random events (30/08/2005)
Version 1.3 - new mine added (17/02/2006)
Version 1.4 - update to random events (27/06/2006)
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Introduction
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Mining is perhaps the most commonly used skill in all of Runescape. Money is
avaiable from an early level and makes the skill appealing to all levels.
Big money can be made if you are persistent and keep at it. Of course mining is
used in conjunction with Smithing, but this guide will focus mainly on the
mining side of things. This guide will include both f2p and members
information.
I hope you will find this guide useful and enjoyable to read.
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Table Of Contents
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To make this guide easy to move around i suggest you use the code in brackets.
Just press Ctrl + F and type in the code (Please INCLUDE the brackets).
I. When Can You Begin Mining? (WCYBM)
II. Pickaxes (PXS)
III. Ores (OS)
IV. Smithing (SMTH)
V. Gems (GMS)
VI. Mine Locations (MLCTS)
VII. Mining Random Events (MRES)
VIII. Leveling Up (LVLUP)
IX. Special Thanks (SPT)
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I. When Can You Begin Mining? (WCYBM)
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One of the good things about mining is that from when you set foot in Lumbridge
you are able to mine. It is a f2p skill and requires only two things.
1) A pickaxe
2) An ore rock
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II. Pickaxes (PXS)
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At the current time there are 6 pickaxes avaliable.
=Bronze Pick=
Requires level 1 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 1gp.
=Iron Pick=
Requires level 4 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 100 gp.
=Steel Pick=
Requires level 6 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 250 gp.
=Mithril Pick=
Requires level 21 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 750 gp.
=Adamant Pick=
Requires level 31 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 3,200 gp.
=Runite Pick=
Requires level 41 mining to use.
Recommended price to buy - 32,000 gp.
I would certainly suggest upgrading your pick every time you can use the next
one. Although the price increases dramatically between addy and rune I do
recommend the rune pick. For iron ore especially, it really will help you and
all the top miners will use it.
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III. Ores (OS)
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Name Level needed to mine Experience given
Clay 1 5
Copper 1 17.5
Tin 1 17.5
Limestone* 1 26.5
Blurite* 10 17.5
Iron 15 35
Silver 20 40
Coal 30 50
Gold 40 65
Mithril 55 80
Adamant 70 95
Runite 85 125
*Limestone is only used for quests at the current time
**Blurite is only necessary for the Knight's Sword Quest.
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IV. Smithing (SMTH)
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This skill is often used in conjunction with mining. It is not necessary in
making money but is useful. I won't go into much detail here as this is a
mining guide.
Ores required Level needed Experience given Makes
Copper + Tin 1 6.5 Bronze Bar
Iron** 15 12.5 Iron Bar
Silver 20 13.5 Silver Bar
Iron + 2 Coal 30 17.5 Steel Bar
Gold 40 22.5 Gold Bar
Mithril + 4 Coal 50 30 Mithril Bar
Adamant + 6 Coal 70 37.5 Adamant Bar
Runite + 8 Coal 85 50 Runite Bar
**There is a 50% chance the iron ore will be impure and fail. To counter this
use a 'Ring of Forging' (2k). This will give you 140 bars. MEMBERS ONLY.
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V. Gems (GMS)
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Occasionally you may find a gem. These are used for Crafting Jewellery. There
are 4 f2p gems and 4 members gems to be found. The following are the 5 gems
that can be found from mining any rock in the Runescape World:
-Sapphire
-Emerald
-Ruby
-Diamond
-Dragonstone*
*Members Only
The other 3 members only gems are to be found at Shilo Village and are:
-Opal
-Jade
-Red Topaz
By mining a gem you receive 65 exp towards your mining. This will not make the
ore disappear and you will just continue mining the rock until you receive the
ore. If you would like to have a higher chance of getting a gem, and
are a member, equip an Amulet Of Glory.
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VI. Mine Locations (MLCTS)
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Varrock SE South-east of varrock Copper East Varrock
Tin
Iron
This mine is great for beginning your mining skill. It has plenty of copper and
tin and there is always enough for you to mine some. The iron is popular and
does get very crowded - best avoid the iron here.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Varrock SW North of Champ's Guild Clay West Varrock
Tin
Iron
Silver
A nice mining spot. I do not prefer it to Varrock SE but the silver is
appealing. This mine does get crowded and the tin is not very useful as there
is no copper here.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Swamp Mine Lumbridge Swamp Coal Draynor Village
Mithril
Adamant
This mine is great for high levels as it offers a fair amount of addy and mith.
However it will be crowded as the coal is popular and in short supply.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Barbarian's Mine Barbarian's Village Tin Edgeville
Coal
The coal isn't bad but this mine should really be avoided.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Scorpion's Pit North of Al-Kharid Copper Al-Kharid
Tin
Iron
Silver
Coal
Gold
Mithril
Adamant
This is a brilliant mine for any level of miner with a decent combat or lots of
food. The variety of ore means it will be busy but there is generally plenty of
iron, copper and tin to go around. I recommend this mine to all.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Mining Camp Desert/South of Al-Kharid Copper Al-Kharid
Tin
Mithril
Adamant
If you are a high enough level to mine the addy and mith then this mine is a
great place to go. However the copper and tin are not worth it as there are
plenty of alternative mines that offer these.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Edgeville Mine Edgeville Dungeon Copper Edgeville
Tin
Iron
Silver
Coal
Mithril
Adamant
In one word - AVOID! This really isn't a nice mine and is only worth going for
adamant. If you want to raise your combat whilst mining, and can withstand the
skeletons' attacks then it may be the mine for you.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Dwarven Mine Under Falador Clay SE Falador
Copper
Tin
Iron
Coal
Gold
Mithril
Adamant
This is the mine for all. A superb range of ores and many rocks to mine
from. I do not recommend you visit this mine as soon as you step into the
Runescape world as the scorpions are a pain and the king scorpion causes
problems for nearly everyone. However as soon as you can safely run or fight a
scorpion I think this mine should be worth visiting.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Rimmington Mine North of Rimmington Clay East Falador
Copper
Tin
Iron
Gold
This mine has the ores for a medium leveled miner but lacks in not being close
to a bank. The closest alternative is Dwarven Mine and therefore there is no
competition. However due to the lack of interest this mine gets it is ideal if
you have just leveled up to mining iron or gold as it is rarely crowded.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Taverly Mine South of Taverly Clay West Falador***
Tin
Iron
Coal
***Although this is the closest bank it is a sort of one way trip as you can
only climb the wall from members back into f2p.
This makes the mine difficult to get to and for the ore avaliable it is not
worth the bother. This mine is best avoided.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Karamja Jungle North of Shilo Village Iron Shilo Village
Mine Coal
Silver
Mithril
Adamant
Has a collection of nice ore but the distance to a bank kills it. For what it
gives it is worth a look but I wouldn't make it your usual mining location.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Under The Volcano Under Karajma's Volcano Gold Crandor
Terrible mine to use! 4 gold and nothing else...don't bother.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Sewer Mine South of Ardougne Bank Iron East Ardougne
Coal
A fairly small mine that requires level 20 theiving. If you are a high enough
magic level I recommend you take runes for the Superheat Item spell, to turn
the iron and coal into steel bars. Good place to get steel from but no other
really good uses.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
East Ardougne Mine South of Legend's Guild Iron East Ardougne
Coal
Good mine that will be crowded. I would use the same mine and smelt using
Superheat Item here, as the iron and coal are convienently together.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Coal Trucks West of Seers Village Coal Seers Village
My favorite mine. Lots of coal will make this mine busy, but is generally fine
on a less full world. The best thing about this mine is that you can put 120
coal into the truck and then unload it at Seers Village. Great for power mining
coal to sell as you will not have to leave the mine until you have over 120
coal - you can also have another 28 in your inventory if the truck is full.
Top Mine!
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Grand Tree Mine Under the Grand Tree Clay Grand Tree
Tin
Iron
Silver
Coal
Mithril
Adamant
I can't say much about this mine as I have yet to complete the Grand Tree
Quest... However I have been told it is a nice mine that has ore for every
level of miner. Take a look if you have done the quest and see what you think.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Khazard Mine North-east of Yanille Clay Yanille
Tin
Copper
Iron
Coal (only one)
Mithril
Mainly for the low level miner. There are many better alternatives to this.
Will be empty as the distance from bank and lack of coal are annoying problems.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Arzinian Mine Keldagrim Gold Keldagrim Bank
A nice mine with tonnes of gold, namely 146 ores. You can ferry your gold into
the Keldagrim Bank for a tiny cost. In order to enter this mine however, you
must have completed "Between A Rock" quest and be wearing the Golden Helmet.
To enter speak to Dondakan while wearing it and you will be able to go in.
Enjoy!
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The following are mines in the wilderness. Be careful and take just a pick and
some food if you want to.
Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Skeleton Mine Level 9 Wilds NE Edgeville Coal Edgeville
This mine does get overrun with PKers and will not be busy. The skeletons are
a nuisance - I wouldn't choose this mine to be my regular.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Hobgoblin's Mine Level 32 Wilds Iron Edgeville
Coal
Mithril
Adamant
I really don't know what to make of this mine. It has a good selection of ores
for high level miners but is far from a bank... PKers make this mine dangerous
and the hobgoblins are annoying. I don't like it but I recommend you try it as
it does offer lots of mithril and adamant rocks.
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Pirate's Mine Level 52 Wilds Iron Mage Arena
Coal
Mithril
Adamant
Doesn't offer many ores, will be swarming with PKers, very dangerous...
AVOID!
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Name Location Ore avaliable Closest bank
Runite Mine Level 48 Wilds Runite Edgeville
Only place to my knowledge that offers this precious ore. Therefore, if you
want it go get it. However be careful as this is a good spot for PKers to prey
on.
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VII. Mining Random Events (MRES)
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These events may happen at any time whilst mining, usually after a long period.
They are nothing to worry about, providing you take the correct precautions.
Here they are:
+Rock Golem+
This nasty monster will appear and attack you if you don't run away. Its level
will depend on your combat and so you can be sure it won't kill you in one hit.
If you want to kill it, it drops pickaxes, dwarven stouts and ore. Otherwise
just run away for a few seconds until it goes away.
+Steaming Rocks+
If this ever occurs...RUN! If you continue to mine the rock it will explode
hurting you and breaking your pick. If your pick does break you need to take it
to Nurof the Dwarf in the Dwarven Mine.
+Pick Breaking+
Occasionally your pick head and handle will separate. The head will fly a few
paces away from you. Pick it up as soon as you can a use the head with the
handle. This isn't something to worry about, but be alert.
+Dr Ford+
Sometimes your mining and a chunk of rock hits you on the head. You will
notice this because stars fly around your head. This doctor will appear and
you have to talk to him. He will hold up some fingers and you need to select
the correct amount. If you get it right you get a treat - a piece of fruit...
However if you ignore him or get it wrong he moves you to a quiet location,
to recover.
*UPDATE* Dr Ford has now been removed from the random events.
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VIII. Leveling Up (LVLUP)
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So you know the pickaxes, you know the ores, you know where the ores are -
well here is how you can level up. I will take you up to level 60 by which time
you will have found your prefered mining location and will have decided whether
to mine for money or smelt as well.
**Level 1 - 15**
When the tutorial is complete you will have a pickaxe. Head for Varrock SE mine
after banking your other equipment in a Varrock bank. Mine a full inventory of
copper then an inventory of tin, banking each time. You should at this point be
leveling up pretty quickly. When you have 100 tin and 100 copper head for
Al-Kharid and smelt it. Repeat this proccess until you are level 15 mining.
**Level 15 - 30**
Unless you have been mining non stop I would have thought you would have a
decent combat - or at least to withstand a scorpion attack. I suggest trying a
new mine such as Scorpion's Pit or Dwarven Mine. These are a lot of fun.
Continue mining copper and tin but try to get some iron as well. It will be
hard at first as there will be higher levels among you. It is a good time to
upgrade your pick to steel. If you are in Scorpion's Pit and have 20 mining
also try for some silver. Use the same proccess a before - mine a lot of ore,
then smelt it. Continue doing this until you are level 30.
**Level 30 - 50**
You should now be solidly mining iron. As soon as you reach level 31, upgrade
your pick to addy. If you are a member you might want to try coal trucks but
I would wait until you are a little higher in level. I would now store your
iron and not smelt it, but if you want a good smithing, then definitly continue
to do this. There is not much gold about so do not worry about mining any, just
concentrate on iron and coal if you can get it. It will take longer to get
to level 50 but the rewards will be getting better.
**Level 50 - 60**
If you haven't already - buy a rune pick! This will be a key tool from now on.
Power mine iron continually. Don't bank it either, unless you are wanting a
good smithing level where you may wish to. Coal will still be a challenge to
get but you should try to get some of this to. When you reach level 59 mining
buy a dwarven stout and go into the Mining Guild. There is so much coal here
there will always be some avaliable. You will now be able to make good money
from coal and iron. Coal sells around 100-180gp and iron 50-100gp.
**Level 60+ **
There is nothing more I can teach after level 60. You will have your preferred
mining location. You will know whether you are going to mine coal and iron for
big money or wait and get some through smithing. However I strongly suggest
that members use coal trucks for getting coal and the Mining Guild if you are
f2p. Mithril also sells for a lot of money and so it is always good to mine it
if you use the Mining Guild.
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IX. Special Thanks (SPT)
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Thank-you for reading this guide and I hope it is a big help to you in getting
your mining level high.
I would like to thank the following people for their support and/or help:
-blackmage200 = for recommendation of GameFAQs.
-Tip.it = for helping fill the gaps in the factual parts of my guide.
-Cherise Tweaker = pointing out error in Coal Trucks.
-CJayC = for accepting this guide.
-Yourself = for taking the time to read it!
Thanks again...Happy mining!
