Runescape Drop Mining and Powermining Guide - Mining Tips From A Rune Miner

Definition of Powermining

Powermining - Also referred to as drop mining (I will be using these terms interchangeably from here on out), powermining in the online MMO Runescape is the act of mining and dropping ores in rapid succession with no regard for monetary gain.

Who should drop mine?

Drop mining is for the Runescape player who wants mining levels and he wants them now. The aim is to get your mining up high enough on "easy" ores, such as iron, to be able to reap the benefits of being an upper level miner much faster.

Since you won't be running back and forth between the mine and the bank, conservation of run energy isn't as important as it is in normal mining. Still, you don't want to be wearing your fighter's torso to the mines. Just go "nude" or wear some light robes or something.

The pick is another matter, however. Bring the best pick you can afford, preferably a rune pickaxe. Rune picks are fairly cheap nowadays and can be purchased on the Grand Exchange for as little as 20k, so there really is not excuse not to have one.

* Special tip for Granite Powermining *

If you are a Runescape member and decide to go the route of granite drop mining, then it is strongly advised that your bring the following:

• White desert gear (Buy from the Shantay Pass dudes)
• LOTS of waterskins (eight is a decent amount)
  
• No armor whatsoever
  

Ok, the mechanics of powermining are pretty simple.  If a Runescape bot can do it, then so can you!  Ok, pay careful attention to the steps I'm about to give you...

1. Mine as many rocks as possible that are nearby and available (three is the magic number).
2. Drop them from your inventory.
3. Voilá, you've successfully drop mined!
   

As far as powermining goes, some locations are definitely better than others. You're typically going to be drop mining iron, so I'll focus on the best iron mines with a few exceptions.

Powermining Locations for Free Players (F2P)

As a nonmember, you are going to be more limited in regards to drop mining locations. Don't worry though, even as a member I did most of my powermining in areas in the free world.

• Northern Portion of Al Kharid Mine - 3 Iron Ores
  
• West Varrock Mine - 2 Iron Ores
• East Varrock Mine - 4 Iron Ores

The three rocks in the northern portion of the Al Kharid Mine form one of the best locations for drop mining iron in the game.  Unfortunately, many people have found out about this great powermining spot and it's become quite crowded.  Still, I have many "fond" memories of the hours I wasted here!

As a member you'll have access to every mine available, provided you've completed the right quests of course! Now I'm not going to suggest some of the more obscure mines (Keldagrim anyone?) partly because they're pretty depressing, but also because there are more lucrative mines in the Runescape overworld.

• East Ardougne Mine
• Quarry
  

Yep that's really about it as far as far as members drop mining spots go.  This mine is slightly better than the Al Kharid spot now due to the updated layout.  Don't fret members, you still have access to the hottest members only powermining spot.  The Quarry.

Members have access to granite. A useless rock thats only purpose was for a quest. But to the drop miner, granite becomes priceless. With a rune pickaxe and a decent mining level (granite requires level 45 mining to mine, so I recommend being around level 60 for it to be effective) you will be able to mine granite nearly as fast as you can drop mine iron!

Keep in mind that granite comes in three sizes:

• 5kg - 75 exp
• 2kg - 60 exp
• 500g - 50 exp

Now here comes the hard part, getting to the granite quarry. Wear what I mentioned previously in the "What to Wear While Powermining" segment and follow this map through the Kharidian Desert.

• If you have received the Camulet from the Enakhra's Lament Quest, you can teleport directly to the Quarry!
• Bring Plenty of Waterskins and Your Desert Attire!
• I recommend that you be at least level 60 mining before attempting granite mining. Otherwise iron will be faster experience.
• I recommend going to a crowded world for drop mining, ores respawn faster on busy worlds.
  

There is no such thing as a Runescape autominer or Runescape mining cheats. Like me, you will have to do the mundane task of drop mining to get anywhere in Runescape. Through my powermining advice I was able to get to level 85 mining in under three weeks! Goodluck drop mining and avoid autoers and cheats! These are scams!!!

Now that I'm a retired Runescape veteran I have no qualms about revealing the secrets of Runescape powermining.  Buena suerte amigos!