Best OSRS Mining Money Making Methods (2026)

With 24 skills to choose from, Old School RuneScape gives you plenty of freedom when deciding how to make your first few million GP. If you'd rather make money through skilling instead of PvM, Mining is one of the best places to start.

While many players think of Mining as a basic gathering skill, it's actually capable of generating over 1M GP per hour once you unlock the higher-level methods. Better yet, there are profitable options available at nearly every stage of progression, making it a great skill whether you're a brand-new account or working toward maxing.

In this guide, we'll break down the best OSRS Mining money-making methods, covering the Mining level requirements, expected profits, and which activities are actually worth your time.

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Best OSRS Mining Money Making Methods (2026)

If you're training Mining and want to make consistent GP along the way, you have plenty of options. Some methods are almost completely AFK, while others require more attention but reward you with significantly higher profits.

One thing every player should know is that higher Mining levels always increase your efficiency, even if the activity itself has a much lower level requirement. Faster mining means more ores per hour, better XP, and ultimately higher GP. That's true across nearly every gathering skill in OSRS.

Motherlode Mine (Level 30 Mining)

For most players, Motherlode Mine is the first profitable Mining method worth doing. It unlocks at 30 Mining and remains relevant well into the late game.

While the GP per hour isn't incredible at lower levels, your profits steadily improve as your Mining level increases:

30 Mining: Great for early progression.
70 Mining: Better profits thanks to Adamantite ore.
85 Mining: Even higher GP with Runite ore.

Motherlode Mine isn't the highest-paying Mining activity, but it's one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to level the skill while making money.

Valuable Rewards

Besides ores, you'll also unlock several useful upgrades:

Coal Bag
Gem Bag
Prospector Outfit (provides a Mining XP bonus)

How to Get There

The fastest route is by using a Skills Necklace to teleport to the Mining Guild. From there, the entrance to Motherlode Mine is only a short walk away.

Gem Rocks (Level 40 Mining)

At 40 Mining, Gem Rocks become one of the best low-level money makers.

Although you can mine them in several locations, the Shilo Village underground mine is by far the most efficient option after completing the Karamja Medium Diary. It provides:

More Gem Rocks
A nearby Deposit Box
Much less downtime banking

To maximize your profits, always wear a fully charged Amulet of Glory, which increases your chance of receiving gems while mining.

Requirements

40 Mining
Shilo Village quest completed

Best Gem Rock Locations

Shilo Village Underground Mine (Best)
The Onyx Crest
Lunar Isle Mine

Rune Ore (Level 85 Mining)

Even after all these years, Runite Ore remains one of the most valuable resources in OSRS.

At 85 Mining, each ore is worth roughly 10,000 GP, and because most rune equipment stays close to its alchemy value, demand for Runite remains consistently strong.

Best Rune Ore Locations

Wilderness
Mining Guild
Trahaearn Mine

The biggest downside is competition. These rocks are almost always contested by other players and in some worlds, bots so don't expect to have them to yourself.

Amethyst (Level 92 Mining)

If you're looking for one of the most AFK Mining methods in the game, Amethyst is hard to beat.

Unlocked at 92 Mining, Amethyst takes a long time to mine, so the GP per hour isn't among the highest. However, the low-click intensity makes it perfect for players who want to watch videos, work, or multitask while training.

Why Mine Amethyst?

Extremely AFK
Consistent profits
Minimal attention required
Great for passive Mining XP

Basalt (Level 72 Mining)

Mining Basalt requires:

72 Mining
Completion of Making Friends with My Arm

This method is surprisingly profitable considering how little effort it takes. If you're looking for a relaxed skilling activity that still produces solid GP, Basalt is definitely worth adding to your rotation.

Zalcano (70 Mining)

I know I said this list would focus on skilling methods instead of PvM, but Zalcano is simply too good to ignore.

Unlocked after completing Song of the Elves, this skilling boss requires at least:

70 Mining
70 Smithing
All additional quest requirements for Song of the Elves

Unlike traditional bosses, Zalcano is designed around skilling mechanics. Every kill rewards you with valuable resources, making it an excellent hybrid method for both Mining XP and consistent GP.

If you don't mind a little PvE, Zalcano remains one of the strongest Mining-related money makers in the game.

Infernal Shale (Level 78 Mining)

At 78 Mining, you can mine Infernal Shale inside the Chasm of Fire. Using a hammer, the shale can be processed into Infernal Shale Shards, a tradeable material used to craft Oathplate Armour.

Because Oathplate equipment continues to see steady demand, Infernal Shale offers reliable profits and serves as a refreshing alternative to the more traditional Mining methods.

Requirements

78 Mining
Access to the Chasm of Fire
A Hammer to process the shale

Blast Mine (Level 75 Mining)

Blast Mine is a unique Mining activity that lets you collect high-tier ores earlier than you normally would. One of its biggest advantages is that you can start obtaining Runite Ore at level 75 Mining, a full 10 levels before the standard requirement.

Unlike AFK methods such as Motherlode Mine or Amethyst, Blast Mine is much more click-intensive. You'll be placing dynamite, detonating rock walls, and collecting ores throughout the activity, making it one of the more engaging Mining training methods in OSRS.

Why Choose Blast Mine?

Unlock Runite Ore at 75 Mining

Good Mining XP rates

Profitable while training

More engaging than traditional Mining methods

Although it won't generate the highest GP per hour compared to endgame Mining methods, Blast Mine strikes a great balance between experience and profit, making it a solid choice for players looking to level Mining efficiently without sacrificing too much income.