The Best Places to Mine Coal in OSRS
Coal is one of the most essential resources in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), serving as a cornerstone for smithing, crafting, and even as a steady source of income. To mine coal, players only need a Mining level of 30 and a pickaxe, with each successful mine granting 50 Mining experience. However, not all coal mining locations are created equal-some offer abundant rocks, convenient banking, while others cater to specific player needs, such as power mining or low-level accessibility. This guide breaks down the best places to mine coal in OSRS, tailored for both free-to-play (F2P) and member players, along with tips to maximize efficiency. This will provide you with more OSRS gold resources in the game.
1. Mining Guild: The Top Choice for Efficient, Safe Mining
For players with a Mining level of 60 or higher, the Mining Guild stands out as the ultimate coal mining destination. Located beneath Falador, this underground hub is a miner's paradise, offering unbeatable convenience and resource density. With 37 coal rocks packed closely together, you'll rarely find yourself waiting for respawns, even during peak hours.
One of the guild's biggest advantages is its proximity to a bank chest. This eliminates the need for long trips to deposit coal, drastically reducing downtime and boosting hourly yields. Additionally, the guild's 60 Mining requirement keeps crowds smaller than F2P locations, ensuring you'll always have a rock to mine.
To optimize your experience here, use a Skills Necklace to teleport directly to the Mining Guild-this cuts down on travel time entirely. Equipping a Coal Bag (a Dungeoneering reward) is also a game-changer, as it can hold up to 81 coal, further reducing the number of bank trips needed. Whether you're training Mining or stockpiling coal for smithing, the Mining Guild is unmatched for efficiency.
2. South-West Wilderness Mine: Ideal for F2P Power Mining
If you're a free-to-play player or haven't reached level 60 Mining yet, the South-West Wilderness Mine (also known as the Skeleton Mine) is your best bet. Located northwest of Edgeville in level 12 Wilderness, this mine boasts 34 coal rocks-nearly as many as the Mining Guild.
This location is perfect for power mining (dropping coal instead of banking it) because of its high rock density. With so many coal rocks available, you can mine continuously without waiting for respawns, making it one of the fastest ways to train Mining for F2P players.
However, the Wilderness setting comes with risks. Player killers (PKers) may target you, so it's wise to keep your inventory light and avoid carrying valuable items. The mine also spawns aggressive skeletons, but they stop attacking after about 10 minutes of inactivity. If you do want to bank your coal, the closest bank is in Edgeville, just a short run away.
3. Lovakite Mine: The Best Member Spot for High-Yield Mining
For member players looking to take their coal mining to the next level, the Lovakite Mine in Great Kourend is a top-tier choice. With a staggering 45 coal rocks, this mine offers the highest density of coal in OSRS-more than both the Mining Guild and South-West Wilderness Mine combined.
Unlike other locations, the Lovakite Mine has its own on-site bank, making banking faster and more convenient than ever. This, paired with the mine's massive number of coal rocks, makes it ideal for both training and profit-focused mining.
The only catch is the 30% Lovakengj Favour requirement to access the mine. Gaining this favour is relatively straightforward-complete tasks like helping with the blast furnace or delivering supplies to the Lovakengj workers. Once you have it, you can teleport directly to the mine using an Xeric's Talisman, making travel nearly instantaneous.
4. Dwarven Mine: A Reliable F2P Alternative
For F2P players who want to avoid the Wilderness, the Dwarven Mine is a safe and reliable option. Located south of Ice Mountain, this sprawling underground mine has 11 coal rocks in its main area, plus an additional 13 in its Resource Dungeon (requires Dungeoneering skills).
The Dwarven Mine's biggest benefit is its safety-no PKers or high-level monsters threaten you here. It also offers a variety of other ores, including iron, mithril, and adamantite, so you can switch between mining coal and other resources if needed.
The closest bank is in Falador, which is a short run from the mine's entrance. While the coal rock count is lower than the South-West Wilderness Mine, the lack of risk makes it a great choice for new players or those who prefer a more relaxed mining experience.
5. Coal Truck Mining Site: Convenient for Member Players
Member players looking for a low-effort, convenient coal mining spot should check out the Coal Truck Mining Site. Located near Seer's Village, this site has 18 coal rocks and a unique feature: coal trucks that can hold up to 120 coal each.
Instead of banking coal immediately, you can deposit it into the coal trucks and then collect all of it at once later. This is perfect for players who want to mine for extended periods without stopping to bank. The closest bank is in Seer's Village, and you can use a Camelot Teleport to get there quickly.
While the coal rock count is lower than the Lovakite Mine or Mining Guild, the coal trucks add a level of convenience that's hard to beat. It's a great option if you're multitasking or want a more laid-back mining session.
Final Tips for Maximizing Coal Mining Efficiency
No matter which location you choose, there are a few universal tips to boost your coal mining efficiency. First, always use the highest-tier pickaxe you can equip-each upgrade reduces the time it takes to mine a rock, increasing your hourly output. For example, a Rune Pickaxe (requires 41 Attack) mines coal much faster than a Bronze Pickaxe.
Second, consider using mining boosts. Items like the Mining Cape (level 99 Mining reward) or a Dragon Pickaxe (members only) further increase your mining speed. For F2P players, a Black Pickaxe (requires 11 Attack) is a solid mid-tier option.
Finally, remember that coal is often used in combination with other ores (like iron, mithril, or runite) to smelt bars. If you're mining coal for smithing, consider mining these ores alongside coal to save time later. Coal also sells well on the Grand Exchange, making it a reliable way to earn cheap RuneScape gold.
Conclusion
The best place to mine coal in OSRS depends on your player type, Mining level, and goals. For advanced players and members, the Mining Guild and Lovakite Mine offer unbeatable efficiency and convenience. F2P players will thrive in the South-West Wilderness Mine (for power mining) or the Dwarven Mine (for safety).
No matter where you choose to mine, equipping the right tools (like a Coal Bag and high-tier pickaxe) and using teleportation to reduce travel time will help you get the most out of your mining sessions. With these tips and locations in mind, you'll be stockpiling coal or leveling up your Mining skill in no time.