Mining in WoW Classic is very easy and profitable regardless of the faction. Be it resources for crafting, quick experience, and consistent gold, Mining is the most profitable and an easy way to get all of it. You can start earning gold as soon as you start the game and pick up your first pickaxe. Players often purchase WoW gold and invest it in faster mounts and other training for an even quicker start. You can also find and claim the resources that others quickly invest their gold in to maximize your profits.
We focus on Horde and Alliance in equal measure and Mining in all of WoW Classic as a whole. We want to help you earn gold in the game quickly, easily, and reliably. Whether you are familiar with Classic or are brand new, we are here to help you achieve your goals the right way.
Why Mining Is One of the Best Professions in WoW Classic
Mining fuels three high-value professions:
- Engineering
- Blacksmithing
- Jewelcrafting (Seasonal content only)
Because of this, demand for ores and bars never slows down. Players need tons of copper, iron, mithril, and thorium, especially on fresh servers or during new phases.
Mining is also one of the few gathering professions where:
- You earn gold WHILE leveling.
- You don’t rely on random drops.
- You can pair it with a crafting profession for even more profit.
- You can farm while questing normally.
Even low-level ore stacks often sell for a surprising amount because people hate backtracking. The entire economy benefits miners, and you can easily farm your way into mounts, consumables, or even stockpile enough to avoid needing to buy WoW gold later.
Mining Tools & Setup
Before you start, get these essentials:
1. Mining Pick
You can’t mine without it. Buy from:
- Trade goods vendors
- Engineering/blacksmithing suppliers
2. Find Minerals
Once you learn Mining, activate this tracking ability. It marks ore veins on your minimap.
3. Bags (Bigger = Better)
Ores stack only to 20. Invest in:
- 10–12 slot bags early
- 14–16 slot bags mid-game
- Specialty bags are available on Season servers
4. Pair Mining with a Good Secondary Profession
Top two combos:
- Mining + Engineering (best gameplay value)
- Mining + Blacksmithing (profit + self-gear)
If you only want gold, stick with Mining + Skinning.
Mining Skill Leveling Guide (1–300)
Below is a straightforward route to level your Mining to 300 efficiently.
1–65: Copper Ore
Best Alliance Zones:
- Dun Morogh
- Elwynn Forest
- Darkshore (excellent density)
Best Horde Zones:
- Durotar
- Mulgore
- The Barrens (top-tier for both factions)
Copper is easy gold. Many players are too lazy to go back and mine it later, so selling stacks early can generate quick income.
65–125: Tin + Copper
Best Zones:
- Loch Modan
- Southern Barrens
- Silverpine Forest
- Redridge Mountains
You’ll mostly collect Tin, with the occasional Copper and Silver. Smelt Bronze (Copper + Tin) for fast skill-ups.
This bracket is where ore prices start increasing significantly. If you want to maximize earnings instead of speed leveling, consider farming extra stacks here.
125–175: Iron Ore
Best Alliance/Horde Zones:
- Arathi Highlands
- Desolace
- Stranglethorn Vale (dense and competitive)
This is the first major profit spike. Iron is always in high demand for Blacksmithing and Engineering, especially late-game recipes.
175–230: Mithril Ore
Best Zones:
- Tanaris (excellent loops)
- Badlands
- Felwood (tons of veins)
Mithril bars sell extremely well. You’ll also find Truesilver Veins along the way, which often sell for even higher prices.
230–300: Thorium Ore
The most valuable Mining tier in Classic.
Best Zones:
- Eastern Plaguelands
- Winterspring
- Un’Goro Crater (top gold-per-hour for many players)
- Burning Steppes
Thorium is required for many epic and pre-raid crafts. Rich Thorium veins can also drop Arcane Crystals, which are needed for Arcanite Bars-one of the most expensive crafting materials in Classic.
This is the phase where Mining becomes extremely profitable. Even a casual farming session can earn more than some players who buy WoW gold just to save time.
Best Gold-Making Spots by Level
Here are the best income zones depending on your Mining level.
| Mining Skill | Ore Type | Best Zones | Gold Potential |
| 1–65 | Copper | Dun Morogh, Durotar, Darkshore | Low-Medium |
| 65–125 | Tin/Bronze | Loch Modan, Barrens, Silverpine Forest | Medium |
| 125–175 | Iron | Arathi, STV, Desolace | Medium-High |
| 175–230 | Mithril | Tanaris, Felwood, Badlands | High |
| 230–300 | Thorium | EPL, Winterspring, Un’Goro, Burning Steppes | Very High |
Mining Routes for Alliance & Horde
Alliance Mining Routes
1. Dun Morogh -> Loch Modan Route
Great early-game path:
- Circle the mountains in Dun Morogh
- Head to Loch Modan’s outer ridges
- Follow a clockwise loop around the lake lines
2. Wetlands -> Arathi Highlands
Move northeast through Wetlands, then follow Arathi’s outer edges for Iron.
3. Western Plaguelands -> Eastern Plaguelands
Once you hit Thorium, run:
- WPL for regular veins
- EPL for Rich Thorium spawns
This combo gives consistent income and allows easy farming paths.
Horde Mining Routes
1. Durotar -> Barrens Super Loop
Start in Durotar for Copper.
Move into the Barrens for Tin and occasional Iron veins.
2. Thousand Needles -> Tanaris
Great for Tin/Iron early, then Mithril and Truesilver as you level.
3. Burning Steppes -> Un’Goro Crater
Once you reach high skill levels:
- Burning Steppes for steady Thorium
- Un’Goro for Rich Thorium clusters and Arcane Crystal chances
This route is extremely profitable and often competitive.
Tips to Make Gold Faster With Mining
1. Always Smelt Bars Before Selling
Bars often sell for more than raw ore.
2. Use Auction House at Peak Hours
Peak selling hours:
- Evenings
- Raid days
- Expansion or phase releases
3. Don’t Ignore Truesilver
Even a single Truesilver Vein can sell for a strong premium.
4. Farm Heavy Stone
Many warriors and blacksmiths need it for leveling.
5. Combine Mining With Class Mobility
Classes like Druid, Hunter, and Rogue farm ore incredibly fast due to movement speed advantages.
Best Classes for Mining
1. Druid
Instant travel form = unmatched speed.
2. Hunter
Fast movement + disengage mobility + low downtime.
3. Rogue
Great for open-world PvP survival, especially on PvP servers.
4. Paladin
Aura and plate durability make farming comfortable.
When to Sell and When to Keep Your Ore
Hold ore if:
- A major raid opens soon
- Your server’s economy spikes
- Patch notes hint at crafting updates
Sell ore immediately if:
- You’re low on gold
- The Auction House shows inflated prices
- Your inventory is full
Should You Ever Buy Gold Instead of Farming?
Most players enjoy farming ore as part of the Classic experience. But some don’t have the time to grind for hours. That’s why some choose to buy WoW gold from safe marketplaces to catch up with mounts, consumables, or crafted gear. It’s optional, but it shows how valuable Mining is; your ore basically becomes currency.
Final Thoughts
Mining in WoW Classic is simple, effective, and one of the strongest gold-making methods for both Horde and Alliance. Whether you’re leveling, preparing for raids, or just stocking your bank with ore, this profession keeps your bags full and your coins steady. With a solid route, awareness of high-value zones, and the right timing on the Auction House, you can easily turn Mining into your main gold source throughout the entire Classic journey. Stick to the right paths, track your minerals, and keep farming. Your profits will grow faster than you expect.
FAQs
1. What level should I start Mining?
You can start at level 1. Early copper routes are safe for new characters.
2. What profession pairs best with Mining?
Engineering is the top choice for utility and fun. Blacksmithing works well, too.
3. How much gold can I make per hour?
Depending on ore type and competition, 20–120 gold per hour is realistic.
4. Where do I get a Mining Pick?
Trade goods vendors in any major city sell it cheap.
5. Are Rich Thorium Veins worth farming?
Absolutely. They can drop Arcane Crystals, one of the most valuable items in Classic.
