Wow classic mining guide - how to level from 1 to 300

Af Simon - 23 Apr 2025

Mining is one of the most valuable gathering professions in World of Warcraft Classic. By mining various ores, players can acquire valuable materials used in professions such as Blacksmithing and Engineering. If you're looking to level up your mining skill and optimize your ore gathering, this WoW Classic Mining Guide offers a comprehensive step-by-step plan to reach 300 skill efficiently.

Why Choose Mining in WoW Classic?

Mining plays a vital role in material collection and gold generation. As you mine nodes throughout Azeroth, you'll collect ores, stones, and gems that sell well on the auction house or are vital for crafting epic gear. Paired with professions like Blacksmithing or Engineering, Mining becomes even more beneficial for PvE and PvP content.

Getting Started with Mining

Training the Profession

To begin your Mining journey, visit a trainer in any major city such as Orgrimmar, Ironforge, or Thunder Bluff. You’ll need to learn Apprentice Mining, which allows mining of Copper Ore and skill progression up to 75.

Equipping the Right Tools

Equip a Mining Pick from a general goods vendor. You must also have the skill active to see nodes on your minimap. Activate the Find Minerals ability in your spellbook to track mining nodes as you explore.

Mining Skill Tiers

  1. Apprentice: 1-75
  2. Journeyman: 75-150
  3. Expert: 150-225
  4. Artisan: 225-300

Efficient Leveling Routes

1-65: Copper Ore

Copper Ore is found in almost every low-level zone. Great starting spots include:

  1. Elwynn Forest
  2. Durator
  3. Darkshore

65-125: Tin and Silver Ore

Head to zones with higher-level mobs and hills for Tin and Silver:

  1. Hillsbrad Foothills
  2. Thousand Needles
  3. Stonetalon Mountains

125-175: Iron and Gold Ore

Ideal zones for this tier include:

  1. Alterac Mountains
  2. Badlands
  3. Arathi Highlands

175-250: Mithril and Truesilver Ore

As you push toward higher mining skill, these zones are optimal:

  1. Tanaris
  2. Hinterlands
  3. Blasted Lands

250-300: Thorium Ore

High-level zones are required for the final ores:

  1. Un'Goro Crater
  2. Winterspring
  3. Silithus

Tips for Successful Mining

1. Use the Right Addons

Addons like GatherMate or Gatherer help track spawn locations of mining nodes and improve overall efficiency.

2. Pair With Other Professions

Mining pairs perfectly with Blacksmithing and Engineering, boosting your character's performance and enabling the crafting of powerful gear and tools.

3. Sell or Smelt?

In some cases, selling raw ore on the auction house may earn more gold than smelting it into bars. Check your server prices regularly to decide the most profitable option.

Final Thoughts

Mining is a rewarding gathering profession in WoW Classic for players looking to support crafting, make gold, or simply enjoy the rhythm of exploration and harvesting. By following a dedicated leveling route, using the right tools, and keeping your eyes on the minimap for ore veins, you'll reach 300 mining skill in no time. Whether you're a solo player or part of a larger guild, mastering Mining will add great value to your WoW Classic experience.