So, Ye Wanna Be a Rock Star? Your Prospectin' Journey Begins!
Welcome, Fellow Fortune Seeker!
Greetings, aspiring artisan of the earth! A grand adventure awaits those who choose the path of the miner in Azeroth. This journey is one of patience, discovery, and the thrill of unearthing treasures hidden deep within the stone. From the humble glint of Copper Ore to the legendary sparkle of Arcane Crystals, the life of a prospector is rich with opportunity. This isn't merely a profession; it's a calling to explore the world's deepest recesses and claim its mineral wealth. This guide serves as a collection of well-worn maps and hard-earned knowledge, shared from one fortune seeker to another.
What This Treasure Map Holds
This compendium will chart a course from the first tentative swing of a pick at skill level 1, to the confident strike of a master prospector at skill level 300. Within these pages lie detailed routes to the most bountiful ore veins, alchemical secrets of smelting that can transform common rock into gleaming profit, strategies for navigating the competitive landscape of fellow miners, and crucial advice on which precious stones and metals to hoard for the greatest return. Prepare to delve into the essential knowledge needed to master this lucrative craft.
The Essential Tool: Your Trusty Mining Pick!
Before any riches can be claimed, the fundamental tool of the trade must be acquired: the Mining Pick. This indispensable item is readily available and inexpensive, typically sold by Trade Goods or General Supplies vendors in most settlements.1 To venture forth without one would be akin to a treasure hunter attempting to excavate a chest with naught but their fingernails. The easy acquisition and low cost of the Mining Pick mean the barrier to entry for this profession is remarkably low. This accessibility, however, contributes to its popularity and, consequently, the inevitable competition for resources, especially for the initial Copper veins that fledgling miners will seek.
1 This early contest for nodes is a formative experience, teaching the budding prospector the importance of strategy and timing from the outset.
Gearin' Up & Learnin' the Ropes: Your First Swings (Mining 1-65)
Finding Your First Pick & Mentor
To officially embark on this path, one must learn Apprentice Mining from a qualified Mining Trainer. This initial training typically costs a mere 10 Copper.1 These trainers are invaluable resources in the early stages of a miner's career.
- Gelman Stonehand, located in the Dwarven District of Stormwind City, serves as a central training hub.1
- Yarr Hammerstone in Kharanos, Dun Morogh, is an excellent choice for Dwarves and Gnomes commencing their journey.1
- Makaru, found in the Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar, is well-positioned to train Orcs and Trolls.1
- Brek Stonehoof in Thunder Bluff is the primary trainer for Tauren prospectors.1
Upon learning the skill, it is crucial to activate the Find Minerals ability, accessible via the general tab of the spellbook. This ability will display nearby mineral veins on the minimap, acting as an indispensable ore-seeking compass.2
Copperbottom Bonanza: Best Spots for Shiny Copper
Copper Ore is the foundational mineral for miners progressing from skill 1 to 65. These veins are generally abundant and are commonly found near geological features such as hills, cliffs, and mountain ranges. Caves and the entrances to mines are particularly noteworthy locations for Copper deposits.1
Alliance Routes:
- Elwynn Forest: Ideal for Humans, Copper veins are prevalent along the zone's borders and in the mountainous terrain east of Goldshire. The Fargodeep Mine is a known hotspot. Novice miners should exercise caution when venturing into caves due to the local fauna.1
- Dun Morogh: Dwarves and Gnomes will find success by tracing the cliffs that encircle the zone. Coldridge Valley and the Gol'Bolar Quarry are productive starting areas.1 Some routes in Dun Morogh are so efficient that the ore respawn rate can sustain focused farming without requiring a full zone circuit, particularly if competition is minimal.4
Horde Routes:
- Durotar: Orcs and Trolls should patrol the canyon walls and explore the various cave systems. The valley regions are often rich in Copper.1 A specific efficient cave path involves clearing a marked cave, proceeding left, and then descending.4
- Mulgore: Tauren miners should concentrate their efforts on the mountainous edges of the zone. The Venture Co. Mine is a significant source of Copper, yielding approximately 8 veins, but is better suited for higher-level characters. New miners are advised to stick to the more accessible outer edges.1
- Tirisfal Glades: Undead prospectors can begin their careers around Agamand Mills and the Brightwater Lake area.5
Neutral/Contested Early Zones:
Darkshore, which is generally more accessible to Alliance players, and The Barrens, a vast territory favored by the Horde, also contain Copper deposits.2
| Zone | Faction Focus | Key Areas/Caves | Route Tips | Approx. Skill Ups to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elwynn Forest | Alliance | Fargodeep Mine, mountains E of Goldshire | Zone borders, cave interiors (cautiously) | 65 |
| Dun Morogh | Alliance | Gol'Bolar Quarry, Coldridge Valley, zone cliffs | Perimeter circuits, two efficient short routes | 65 |
| Durotar | Horde | Canyon walls, various caves, valley regions | Cave exploration, specific jump-down route | 65 |
| Mulgore | Horde | Mountainous edges, Venture Co. Mine (higher lvl) | Outer edges for new miners | 65 |
| Tirisfal Glades | Horde | Agamand Mills, Brightwater Lake | General area farm | 65 |
The Art of the Smelt: Turning Copper into Coin
Once a sufficient quantity of Copper Ore has been gathered, the next step is to visit a forge, typically found in major cities and some towns. Here, miners can learn Smelt Copper, a skill available from Mining level 1.5 The process converts one Copper Ore into one Copper Bar.
Crucially, smelting provides skill points in Mining. Smelting Copper Ore can increase Mining skill up to level 47.2 This method of skill acquisition is highly efficient, as it allows for level progression without the need for continuous travel and node searching, especially beneficial if a large amount of ore has been collected or purchased at a low price.
This dual benefit of smelting – gaining skill points and creating potentially more valuable materials – is most pronounced in the early stages of Mining. It introduces the prospector to fundamental principles of the in-game economy: understanding that value can be measured in skill progression as well as in currency, and that market conditions for raw versus processed materials fluctuate.5 Players who opt not to level through smelting may create a demand for raw ore, while crafters often prefer the convenience of pre-smelted bars.
Copper Bars are essential components for both Blacksmiths and Engineers. It is advisable to check the prices on the Auction House (AH); sometimes bars command a higher price than raw ore, though at other times the reverse may be true. In the early levels, the skill points gained from smelting often outweigh a marginal profit difference.
Delvin' Deeper: The Journeyman's Path (Mining 65-175)
Upon reaching Mining skill 50, it is time to visit a Mining Trainer again to learn Journeyman Mining. This advancement, costing 5 Silver, unlocks the ability to mine Tin Ore, Silver Ore, and eventually Iron Ore, as well as the recipes to smelt these new materials into bars.1
Tin Can Alley & a Glimmer of Silver (Mining 65-125)
Prime Tin Veins: Where the Real Haul Begins
Tin Ore, which requires a Mining skill of 65 to extract2, is generally more dispersed than Copper but is often found in similar geological locations: hills, mountainsides, and within caves.2
- Hillsbrad Foothills: An excellent zone for both Alliance and Horde miners. The Azurelode Mine and the general hilly terrain are densely populated with Tin Veins. One suggested strategy involves a southern route that also yields Copper, with a northern alternative available if competition is high. A specific cave in this zone is noted for consistently having two Tin Veins, making it a worthwhile stop for higher-level characters.7
- The Barrens (Horde): This vast zone has scattered Tin deposits. The southern regions and the areas surrounding Razorfen Kraul and Razorfen Downs can be productive. The Forgotten Pools and Lushwater Oasis are also recommended spots.5
- Redridge Mountains (Alliance): Focus efforts in the northwestern part of the zone, around Lake Everstill and extending into the Render's Camp cave. For lower-level characters, it's advised to remain on the eastern side of the zone and avoid the more dangerous caves.7
- Ashenvale: Tin can be found here, often along cliff edges and within secluded recesses.
- Wetlands (Alliance): The mountains, particularly the western range, offer good Tin yields. Dun Modr and Whelgar's Excavation are specific areas of interest.5
- Duskwood (Alliance): The area around Raven Hill and the various mines and caves in the zone contain Tin Veins.
It is important to ensure that one's character level is appropriate for these zones (typically level 15-30 areas) to handle the local wildlife and potential threats.2
Chasing Silver Linings: Finding Those Rare Silver Veins
Silver Veins, requiring a Mining skill of 75 to tap2, are a less common find. They often appear in locations where Tin Veins are known to spawn, so vigilance is key when farming Tin. These veins yield Silver Ore, a more valuable commodity than Tin. Prospectors may also find valuable gems such as Moss Agate, Shadowgem, or Lesser Moonstone within Silver Veins.3
Regarding profitability, one source suggests that Silver Ore and Silver Bars sell for roughly the same price, recommending buying ore and selling bars.7 However, other accounts caution that Silver Ore itself can sometimes command a higher price than the smelted bars.5 This discrepancy often arises because other miners purchase raw ore to level their own Mining skill through smelting. Therefore, it is imperative to always consult the Auction House on one's specific server to determine the most profitable course of action.
Bronze Age Riches & Silver Secrets
- Smelt Tin: This recipe is learned at skill 65.5 Each Tin Ore smelts into one Tin Bar, and the process yields skill points.
- Smelt Bronze (A Significant Early Profit Opportunity!): This recipe also requires skill 65. The critical aspect of this smelt is that one Copper Bar combined with one Tin Bar produces TWO Bronze Bars.5 This 2-for-1 yield is often overlooked by many players, leading to potentially "astronomically high" profit margins, sometimes exceeding 100%.8 A savvy prospector can purchase Copper and Tin (either as ore or bars), smelt them into Bronze Bars, and sell these for a substantial profit. This is an excellent method for accumulating gold in the early game. Bronze smelting can provide skill-ups until Mining skill 90.2 The gold generated from this Bronze arbitrage can significantly accelerate a player's early progression, enabling faster mount acquisition or funding other professions and purchases. This highlights how in-depth game knowledge, rather than just persistent grinding, can lead to wealth. It suggests that stockpiling Copper and Tin specifically for Bronze production could be more lucrative than selling them individually.
- Smelt Silver: Learned at skill 755, this recipe converts one Silver Ore into one Silver Bar. It provides skill-ups from skill 75 up to 112.2 As previously noted, it is essential to check Auction House prices, as raw Silver Ore may sometimes be more valuable than Silver Bars.5
Iron Will, Golden Opportunities (Mining 125-175)
Upon reaching skill 125, miners should seek out their trainer to learn Expert Mining, which costs 45 Silver.1
Unearthing Iron Deposits: The Backbone of Industry
Iron Deposits, requiring a Mining skill of 125 to tap2, are found in mid-to-higher level zones, typically where characters are level 30-45 and above.2 Iron is in consistently high demand, serving as a crucial material for both Blacksmithing and Engineering.
- : This is considered one of the premier zones for Iron Ore. There are four notable caves that should be explored thoroughly. Lower-level characters are advised to avoid these caves, and Alliance players of lower level should consider taking a detour south of Hammerfall. Specific locations like the Circle of East Binding and Faldir's Cove are also rich.5
- Thousand Needles: Another excellent choice, particularly the Shimmering Flats and the areas surrounding the Great Lift. This zone is often recommended as the primary location for leveling from 125 to 175.1
- Desolace: Offers a good, straightforward farming route that largely avoids caves. The Kodo Graveyard and Shadowprey Village are notable areas.5
- Stranglethorn Vale: The vicinities of Nesingwary's Expedition and Mistvale Valley are productive spots for Iron.5 The zone in general is a reliable source.2
- Badlands: The Dustbowl and The Maker's Terrace are recommended locations.5
- Alterac Mountains: This zone has a good density of Iron Deposits.2
Striking Gold: Rare Finds and Where to Look
Gold Veins, which require a Mining skill of 155 to mine2, are uncommon spawns that often appear in locations where Iron Deposits are found. These veins yield Gold Ore and can also contain valuable gems such as Jade, Lesser Moonstone, and Citrine.1 Gold Ore is a valuable commodity, particularly sought after for Jewelcrafting, especially if The Burning Crusade expansion is anticipated on the server.5 The best zones for finding Gold Veins are those rich in Iron, such as Arathi Highlands and Stranglethorn Vale.5
Forging Ahead: Smelting Iron, Gold, and Steel for Profit & Power
- Smelt Iron: Learned at skill 125.5 One Iron Ore produces one Iron Bar. This recipe provides skill-ups until Mining skill 135.2
- Smelt Gold: Learned at skill 155.5 One Gold Ore yields one Gold Bar. This smelting process grants skill-ups from skill 155 to 184.2 Smelting Gold is often a profitable venture.
- Smelt Steel: Learned at skill 1655, this is a vital recipe for Blacksmiths. It requires one Iron Bar and one unit of Coal (purchasable from Trade Goods or Blacksmithing supply vendors) to create one Steel Bar.
A critical point to remember is that smelting ores only provides skill-ups until Mining skill 184.2 Beyond this point, skill progression in Mining relies solely on extracting ore from mineral veins.
| Zone | Ore Focus (Primary/Secondary) | Faction Lean | Route Highlights | Competition Level | Rare Ore Chance (Silver/Gold) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsbrad Foothills | Tin / Silver | Neutral | Azurelode Mine, general hills, N/S routes | Medium-High | Medium (Silver) |
| The Barrens | Tin / Silver | Horde | Southern areas, Razorfen, Forgotten Pools | Medium | Medium (Silver) |
| Redridge Mountains | Tin / Silver | Alliance | NW part, Lake Everstill, Render's Camp cave | Low-Medium | Medium (Silver) |
| Wetlands | Tin / Silver | Alliance | Western mountains, Dun Modr, Whelgar's Excavation | Low-Medium | Medium (Silver) |
| Arathi Highlands | Iron / Gold | Neutral | 4 key caves, Circle of East Binding, Faldir's Cove | Medium-High | High (Gold) |
| Thousand Needles | Iron / Gold | Neutral | Shimmering Flats, Great Lift area | Medium | Medium (Gold) |
| Desolace | Iron / Gold | Neutral | Perimeter route, Kodo Graveyard, Shadowprey Village | Low-Medium | Medium (Gold) |
| Stranglethorn Vale | Iron / Gold | Neutral | Nesingwary's, Mistvale Valley, general STV | High | High (Gold) |
The Expert Miner's Handbook: Riches of the Mid-Game (Mining 175-250)
Upon reaching Mining skill 200, it is time to seek an Artisan Mining trainer. Learning this highest rank costs 5 Gold and unlocks the ability to mine valuable Mithril and Thorium ores.1
Mithril Madness: Uncovering a Versatile Metal
Mithril Deposits, requiring a Mining skill of 175 to tap2, are of paramount importance for numerous Blacksmithing and Engineering recipes.5 Mining these deposits also yields Solid Stone and a chance at valuable gems such as Aquamarine, Citrine, Star Ruby, and Black Vitriol.1
Top Mithril Circuits: Your Maps to Mithril Wealth
Because Mithril is so crucial for multiple crafting professions as they level through their mid-to-high tiers, it frequently becomes a bottleneck material. This high demand can drive its price significantly upwards.5 Prospectors who can efficiently farm Mithril are well-positioned to capitalize on this. Furthermore, since Truesilver Deposits (another valuable ore) can spawn in place of Mithril Deposits, dedicated Mithril farming routes also offer opportunities to acquire this rarer ore, thereby increasing the overall potential profit per hour.2 Stockpiling Mithril Ore or Bars can be a very sound financial strategy, particularly if there's an influx of new players leveling crafting professions or established players creating alts. Some accounts indicate Mithril ore or bars can sell for as much as 40-70g per stack on certain servers due to this sustained demand.14
- Badlands: This zone is a prime location for Mithril. It's often cited as a favorite due to its relatively flat terrain and the concentration of nodes around the outer ring, which facilitates simple and efficient farming circuits.11 Locations such as the Dustbowl, The Maker's Terrace, Valley of Fangs, and Angor Fortress are particularly noteworthy.5
- Tanaris: Offers excellent Mithril density, especially within caves like the Gaping Chasm and around Lost Rigger Cove.5
- The Hinterlands: Shaol'watha and Jintha'Alor are productive areas.5 Mithril is also commonly found along cliffs and zone borders in this region.15
- Searing Gorge: The Cauldron and Firewatch Ridge are notable Mithril spots.5 This zone is generally rich in Mithril.2
- Arathi Highlands, Desolace, Stranglethorn Vale: These zones, previously important for Iron, continue to be relevant for Mithril deposits.2
- Felwood, Blasted Lands, Un'Goro Crater: These zones are also listed as containing Mithril and are suitable for skill-ups in the 175-245 range.15
The Truesilver Treasure Hunt: Elusive & Valuable
Truesilver Deposits require a Mining skill of 230 to mine according to some sources2, though others suggest it can be mined earlier (skill 165 making it orange).17 These are uncommon spawns that can appear in place of Mithril Deposits. Truesilver Ore is a premium material used in high-end crafted items, such as the Truesilver Champion sword, and generally commands a high price.5
Secrets to Finding Truesilver Deposits
Given that Truesilver Deposits share spawn locations with Mithril, the most effective strategy for finding Truesilver is to farm in zones rich with Mithril. These include The Hinterlands, Un'Goro Crater5, Tanaris, Badlands, and Searing Gorge. Player-discovered locations, such as an ape cave in Un'Goro Crater, specific routes in southern Tanaris (checking mountains while farming eggs), and areas near nightmare portals (likely in The Hinterlands or Feralas), are particularly valuable pieces of information.19 Many other zones like Alterac Mountains, Arathi Highlands, Hillsbrad Foothills, Silithus, Swamp of Sorrows, and Western Plaguelands are also noted as potential Truesilver locations.17 The core principle is that the more Mithril nodes cleared, the greater the chance for a Truesilver Deposit to spawn in their place. Persistence is key.
Smelting for Success: Mithril & the Value of Truesilver
- Smelt Mithril: This recipe is learned at skill 175.2 One Mithril Ore smelts into one Mithril Bar. Mithril Bars are heavily utilized in crafting. Market conditions can fluctuate; sometimes Mithril Ore prices may dip below the price of Mithril Bars, creating an opportunity to purchase ore, smelt it, and sell the bars for a profit. Constant monitoring of the Auction House is recommended.14
- Smelt Truesilver: Learned at skill 230.2 One Truesilver Ore yields one Truesilver Bar. Due to the rarity and inherent value of Truesilver Ore5, smelting it is typically done for personal crafting use or to fulfill specific, high-value crafting orders. The ore itself often fetches a premium price on the Auction House.
| Zone | Key Features/Caves | Mithril Density | Truesilver Spawn Chance | Competition Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badlands | Outer ring circuit, Angor Fortress | High | Medium | Medium |
| Tanaris | Gaping Chasm, Lost Rigger Cove, southern mountains | High | Medium | Medium-High (esp. caves) |
| The Hinterlands | Shaol'watha, Jintha'Alor, cliffs, zone borders | Medium-High | Medium | Medium |
| Searing Gorge | The Cauldron, Firewatch Ridge | Medium-High | Medium | Medium, can be contested |
| Un'Goro Crater | Ape cave, general perimeter | Medium | Medium | Medium, varies by location |
Master of the Mines: The Road to 300 & Untold Wealth (Mining 250-300)
This final stretch of the mining journey is where the most significant fortunes can be amassed. Artisan Mining, learned at skill 200, paves the way to the game's most valuable ores.2
Thorium Riches: The Endgame Ore
Thorium stands as the undisputed king of endgame ores. Miners will encounter Small Thorium Veins (requiring skill 250 to mine, though some sources list skill 225 as the point they turn orange)10 and the highly coveted Rich Thorium Veins (RTVs), which require skill 275 (or skill 240 to appear orange).10 It is these Rich Thorium Veins that are the primary target for those seeking Arcane Crystals.
Prime Thorium Territories: Where Legends Are Forged
- Un'Goro Crater: Frequently cited as one of the best zones. It's described as potentially the "fastest and easiest zone" for RTVs, especially if server layering can be utilized.20 The Fire Plume Ridge area is particularly good for RTVs.16 Circuits between the southern bug cave and the northern gorilla cave, potentially employing layer hopping, are effective strategies.21
- Winterspring: An excellent zone for Thorium, particularly RTVs.22 Dark Whisper Gorge is a known hotspot but is dangerous due to the presence of elite creatures.16
- Eastern Plaguelands (EPL): A top-tier zone. Terrorweb Tunnel and Plaguewood are excellent for RTVs.24 A figure-eight route around Light's Hope Chapel, including checks of the blighted scar areas, is recommended.23 The scar areas and ziggurat locations are generally reliable for Thorium.16
- Silithus: Also an excellent location for Thorium, especially within the silithid hives.16 It's generally advised to avoid delving too deep into the caves unless prepared to handle numerous mobs and potential dismounts. A phasing issue may occur in Silithus for characters who have completed the Argus questline (more relevant for later game versions but worth noting); speaking to Zidormi can toggle the zone phase.22
- Burning Steppes: A good source of Thorium, though it can be competitive.23 The areas around Blackrock Mountain are worth investigating.
- Western Plaguelands: Contains a Thorium-rich cave in the eastern part of the zone, near the Eastern Plaguelands border, which features dynamic spawns and Large Thorium Veins.25 The path leading up to Hearthglen is also noted.21
- Blasted Lands: A two-zone route connecting a cave in southern Swamp of Sorrows to Blasted Lands is mentioned for rich node farming.26 A large mine here is also noted, though it may be inaccessible to Alliance players.21
- Azshara: Also considered a good zone for RTVs.27
Small Thorium Veins are more common but yield fewer ore pieces and have a significantly lower chance of containing Arcane Crystals (one source suggests a 0.2 per pick rate for Arcane Crystals from small veins versus a much higher rate from RTVs).28 Rich Thorium Veins provide more ore per node (typically 4-5 pickaxe uses versus 1-2 for small veins) and are the primary source of the valuable Arcane Crystals.28 On some servers, spawn mechanics might be altered, giving Small Thorium Veins a chance to respawn as Rich Thorium Veins.28
The Arcane Crystal Lottery: Farming Rich Thorium Veins
Arcane Crystals are the ultimate prize for high-level miners. They are found within Thorium Veins (Small, Rich, and Ooze Covered variants), with Rich Thorium Veins offering the highest probability of discovery (approximately 13% per node).29
Uses: Arcane Crystals are essential for Alchemists to transmute Arcanite Bars (1 Thorium Bar + 1 Arcane Crystal = 1 Arcanite Bar). Arcanite Bars are critical components in crafting legendary items like Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker, high-end epic gear such as the Lionheart Helm and Titanic Leggings, and are also required for Naxxramas attunement quests and Tier 3 armor turn-ins.5 This makes Arcane Crystals incredibly valuable commodities.15
Market Fluctuation: The price of Arcane Crystals can experience significant spikes, particularly with the release of new content phases that increase demand for items requiring Arcanite (e.g., Blackwing Lair for Thunderfury components, or Naxxramas). While prices might stabilize around 45-55 gold each, they are subject to wild variations based on server economy and current game phase.30 Blue Sapphires, also found in Rich Thorium Veins, are needed for items like the Lionheart Helm and Frost Resistance gear, which also influences their market value.
On populated servers that utilize a layering system, miners can exploit this mechanic. By mining all available RTVs in a zone (for example, Un'Goro Crater often has three RTVs), a player can then join a group with members on a different layer of the same zone to access a fresh set of RTV spawns. Addons such as Nova World Buffs can assist in identifying and switching layers. This technique can reportedly yield up to 18 Rich Thorium Veins per hour under optimal conditions.20
Into the Depths: Unearthing Dark Iron Ore
Dark Iron Ore is a unique and valuable resource. While some sources state it requires skill 230 to mine2, others indicate it can be mined even at skill 1 without yielding fragments.31 It is primarily found within the confines of the Blackrock Depths (BRD) dungeon and the Molten Core (MC) raid. This ore is indispensable for crafting fire resistance gear, which is crucial for progressing through Molten Core, and for forging the legendary Sulfuron Hammer.5
The acquisition and processing of Dark Iron Ore create a distinct mini-economy and gameplay loop. Access to the ore is restricted by the need to venture into challenging instanced content, and smelting it requires a special quest and a unique forge, thereby limiting supply. Demand is primarily driven by raid progression, particularly the need for fire resistance in Molten Core. This makes Dark Iron Bars a potentially high-profit item for miners willing to undertake the necessary efforts. The inconvenience of smelting – requiring repeated trips to the Black Forge within BRD – means that smelted bars often carry a significant premium over the raw ore. Furthermore, Blacksmiths also need to use the Black Anvil, located in BRD, to craft Dark Iron items, further concentrating this specialized activity and creating a niche market where controlling supply or offering smelting services can be very lucrative.32
The Blackrock Depths Expedition: Finding & Smelting Dark Iron
Farming in Blackrock Depths (BRD): A typical run through specific sections of BRD, taking approximately 6 minutes, can yield around 15-20 Dark Iron Ore. It is advisable to defeat Warbringer Constructs in the Hall of Crafting, as they have a chance to drop Dark Iron Ore. A common strategy involves using the drilling machine near the instance entrance to select the "Just past The Grim Guzzler" option, farming the accessible nodes, and then using the machine again to teleport back to the instance entrance to reset it. There is a cap of 10 instance resets per hour.31
Farming in Molten Core (MC): This 40-man raid instance is the most abundant source of Dark Iron Ore, with a full clear (of ore nodes, not bosses) yielding approximately 50-60 ore in about 10 minutes. It is absolutely crucial NOT to kill any bosses in Molten Core if farming ore repeatedly, as this will prevent the instance from being reset. Lothos Riftwaker, located within Blackrock Mountain, teleports players into Molten Core.31
This ability is not learned from a standard trainer but through a quest chain33:
- The miner must have a Mining skill of at least 230.
- The following materials must be brought into BRD: 20 Gold Bars, 10 Truesilver Bars, and 2 Star Rubies.
- Inside BRD, use the drilling machine to travel "Just past The Grim Guzzler." Proceed to the first entrance on the right and find the dwarf Gloom'rel in the Summoner's Tomb (the chamber where The Seven boss encounter takes place).
- Speak to Gloom'rel, who will summon the Spectral Chalice. Accept the quest "The Spectral Chalice" from this object.
- Turn in the quest to Gloom'rel to learn the Smelt Dark Iron recipe.
The Black Forge: Dark Iron Ore can only be smelted at the Black Forge, which is also located within Blackrock Depths.32 After learning the smelting recipe, speaking with Doom'rel (or another dwarf in The Seven's room, possibly Gloom'rel himself) will initiate an encounter. Upon defeating the seven ghost dwarves that appear, a door will open, granting access to the Black Forge. The smelting recipe for Dark Iron Bars is 8 Dark Iron Ore to produce 1 Dark Iron Bar.2
The Final Smelt: Thorium Bars & Dark Iron's Might
- Smelt Thorium: This recipe is learned at Mining skill 250.2 One Thorium Ore smelts into one Thorium Bar. Thorium Bars are essential for many high-level crafting recipes. However, their market price can be quite volatile. Because many miners farm Thorium primarily for the chance at Arcane Crystals, a surplus of Thorium Bars can sometimes flood the market, depressing their price.34 It is always advisable to check Auction House prices. Occasionally, items crafted from Thorium Bars (such as Thorium Shells, Thorium Arrows, or Thorium Widgets) may sell for a better profit than the bars themselves.
- Dark Iron Bars: As detailed above, these are specialty items. Their value is intrinsically linked to the demand for fire resistance gear for raids like Molten Core and components for legendary items like the Sulfuron Hammer. The Sulfuron Hammer, in particular, is noted as a consistent high-profit craft.32
| Zone | Vein Type Focus | Key Farming Areas/Caves | Noted Routes/Strategies | Elite Mob Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Un'Goro Crater | Rich / Mixed | Fire Plume Ridge, S. bug cave, N. gorilla cave | Layer hopping, perimeter circuits | Medium |
| Winterspring | Rich / Mixed | Dark Whisper Gorge, zone borders | Careful pulls in elite areas | High |
| Eastern Plaguelands | Rich / Mixed | Terrorweb Tunnel, Plaguewood, Light's Hope circuit, scars | Figure-eight routes | Medium-High |
| Silithus | Mixed | Silithid hives, zone borders | Avoid deep caves if solo | High (in hives) |
| Burning Steppes | Mixed | Around Blackrock Mountain | Standard circuits | Medium |
| Western Plaguelands | Large Thorium / Mixed | Eastern cave near EPL border, path to Hearthglen | Cave farming, dynamic spawns | Medium |
| Stage | Requirement/Item | Location | Key Steps/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farming | Access to BRD/MC | Blackrock Depths, Molten Core | BRD: Instance reset farm. MC: Full ore clear, DO NOT KILL BOSSES. |
| Learning to Smelt | Mining 230, 20 Gold Bars, 10 Truesilver Bars, 2 Star Rubies | Blackrock Depths (Summoner's Tomb - Gloom'rel) | Use drill "Past Grim Guzzler," find Gloom'rel, accept & complete "The Spectral Chalice" quest. |
| Smelting | Learned Smelt Dark Iron, 8 Dark Iron Ore per bar | Blackrock Depths (The Black Forge) | After learning, defeat The Seven encounter (initiated by Doom'rel/Gloom'rel) to open door to Black Forge. |
Prospector's Pro Tips: Secrets from the Shrewdest Miners
The Golden Rules: Ore vs. Bar - When to Smelt, When to Sell
The decision of whether to sell raw ore or smelted bars is not a simple one; it is always contingent upon the specific economic conditions of one's server.5
- Buyers of Ore: Often include other miners who are leveling their skill via smelting, or Jewelcrafters (particularly if The Burning Crusade is active or anticipated) who require raw ore for prospecting.6
- Buyers of Bars: Typically consist of crafters, such as Blacksmiths and Engineers, who value the convenience of pre-smelted materials and may not have Mining themselves or wish to spend time smelting. Additionally, bars stack more efficiently in bank storage (usually in stacks of 20, compared to 10 for ore).6
Specific Ore Type Tendencies:
- Copper/Tin/Bronze: Bronze Bars are frequently very profitable due to the 2-for-1 smelting recipe (1 Copper Bar + 1 Tin Bar = 2 Bronze Bars), an advantage many overlook.8 Raw Copper and Tin ore may be purchased by those leveling their smelting skill.
- Silver: Raw Silver Ore can sometimes sell for 20-50% more than Silver Bars.5 This is a critical one to check on the Auction House.
- Iron/Steel: Steel Bars are a crafted component (requiring an Iron Bar and Coal), making both Iron Ore and Iron Bars foundational materials for Blacksmiths.
- Mithril: Mithril Bars are in high demand from crafters. The ore itself is also valuable for those leveling smelting or for Jewelers to prospect. Market arbitrage can occur where Mithril Ore prices fall below bar prices, creating an opportunity to buy ore, smelt it, and sell the bars for a profit.14
- Gold/Truesilver: These are often valuable as raw ore due to their rarity and use in leveling smelting or specific high-end crafts. The bars also sell well.15
- Thorium: Thorium Bars can sometimes be relatively inexpensive because many players farm Thorium primarily for Arcane Crystals, leading to an excess supply of bars.34 The raw ore itself is needed for certain recipes (e.g., Greater Stoneshield Potions by Alchemists).6 Arcane Crystals are the most valuable commodity from Thorium veins.
Utilizing an Auction House addon such as Auctioneer or Auctionator can greatly assist in tracking prices and making informed selling decisions.36 Remember that smelting takes time, and this "time cost" should be factored into profit calculations.6
| Ore Type | Typically Sells Better As | Reason/Demand Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Check AH / Bars (Bronze) | Ore for leveling smelting; Bars for Bronze creation. |
| Tin | Check AH / Bars (Bronze) | Ore for leveling smelting; Bars for Bronze creation. |
| Bronze | Bars | Highly profitable 2-for-1 smelt; Crafter convenience. |
| Silver | Ore (Often) / Check AH | Leveling Smelting demand for ore; JC prospecting (TBC). |
| Iron | Bars (Steel) / Check AH | Crafter convenience for Iron Bars; Steel Bar production. |
| Gold | Ore / Bars (Check AH) | Rarity; Leveling Smelting; JC prospecting (TBC); High-value crafts. |
| Mithril | Bars / Ore (Check AH) | High crafter demand for bars; Ore for prospecting (Aquamarine - TBC) & smelting. |
| Truesilver | Ore / Bars (Check AH) | Extreme Rarity; High-value crafts; Ore for smelting skill-ups. |
| Thorium | Ore (for specific uses) | Bars often surplus due to Arcane Crystal farming; Ore for Greater Stoneshield Potions. |
| Dark Iron | Bars | FR gear demand; Smelting inconvenience adds value to bars. |
| Arcane Crystal | (Sell as Crystal) | Extremely rare and high-demand crafting component. |
Outsmartin' the Competition: Mining in Crowded Lands
Competition for valuable mineral nodes can be intense, especially on high-population servers.1 The level of competition for a particular ore often directly reflects its perceived value or necessity by the player base. Successfully navigating this competition—through skill, timing, class advantages, or even more unconventional tactics—can lead to proportionally higher rewards due to the underlying demand. Conversely, identifying valuable but less contested resources can offer a more stable, if less explosive, income.
- Timing is Everything: Mining during off-peak hours, such as very early in the morning or late at night, often results in significantly less competition for nodes.37
- Know Alternate Routes: If a primary farming circuit is heavily contested, having backup routes is essential. This might involve venturing into less optimal zones that are also less frequently farmed by others.
- Class Advantages: Certain classes possess abilities that can provide an edge in contested areas16:
- Rogues and Druids: Stealth allows for bypassing hostile creatures to reach nodes safely. Abilities like Sap (Rogue) or Prowl (Druid) can also be used to temporarily incapacitate a rival miner, though this carries the risk of initiating PvP combat.
- Hunters: Feign Death can be a lifesaver if a dangerous mob is pulled. Pets can also tank enemies while the Hunter mines.
- Mages: Polymorph provides excellent crowd control.
- Node Etiquette & Tactics: Generally, if another player is actively mining a node, it is considered good etiquette to allow them to finish. However, some mineral veins offer multiple "taps" or uses. If another player taps the node first, it's polite to wait for them to loot before attempting to mine it. In highly contested, personally favored spots (often referred to as "my cave" by some), a more aggressive "all nodes are up for grabs" mentality may be adopted, but this can be perceived as rude or hostile by others.40
- Layer Hopping: For extremely valuable nodes like Rich Thorium Veins, if the server utilizes a layering system, joining groups whose members are on different layers can grant access to fresh node spawns.20
- Farm Less Contested, Still Valuable Ores: While Thorium is often the primary focus for endgame miners, other ores like Tin and Mithril, along with their associated stone byproducts (Coarse Stone, Solid Stone), can still be quite profitable and are often less heavily camped.41
- Dungeon Mining: As detailed later, dungeons can offer a controlled environment for mining, free from open-world competition.
Node Knowledge: Understanding Spawns & Respawn Timers
Mineral veins do not appear haphazardly; their placement and reappearance follow certain patterns.
- Set Spawn Points: Nodes typically spawn in predetermined locations within a zone.42 Addons like Gatherer or GatherMate2 are invaluable for recording the locations where nodes have been found, helping miners to create efficient farming circuits.42
- Respawn Timers: The time it takes for a mined node to reappear can vary42:
- As a general guideline, Copper veins might respawn in approximately 15-20 minutes, with Tin and Iron veins having similar timers. Mithril and Thorium veins may take slightly longer, around 20-25 minutes.42 These are estimates and can be influenced by server population and other factors.
- One theory suggests a "sector" system, where a specific area of a zone or a cave has a maximum number of active nodes. When nodes are mined and the count falls below this maximum, a respawn timer (e.g., 7 minutes) begins, and new nodes will spawn one by one at designated possible locations within that sector until the maximum is reached again.44
- It's also observed that lower-level ores within a zone might respawn more quickly than higher-level ores in the same zone.44
- Clearing out all nodes in an area, even those of lesser value, can potentially encourage faster respawns of the more desirable nodes by freeing up "spawn slots" in the sector.
- Rare Spawns: Certain rarer veins have a chance to spawn in place of more common ones. For example, Silver Veins can replace Tin Veins, Gold Veins can replace Iron Deposits, and Truesilver Deposits can replace Mithril Deposits. Rich Thorium Veins are rarer, more lucrative versions of Small Thorium Veins.42
- Dynamic Spawns in Caves: Some cave systems, such as a particular Thorium cave in Western Plaguelands, feature dynamic spawns. This means nodes might not always appear in the exact same spot within the cave but will be found somewhere within the cave system, necessitating thorough exploration.25
Optimizing Your Haul: Route Efficiency & Addons
Efficient mining is about more than just finding nodes; it's about finding them quickly and consistently.
Avoid aimless wandering. Plan routes that connect known clusters of mineral nodes. Focus on areas like cliffsides, mountain ranges, and the entrances and interiors of caves.1
- For example, in the Badlands, an outer ring circuit is effective for Mithril.11 In Un'Goro Crater, circuits connecting key points like the bug cave, gorilla cave, and Fire Plume Ridge are productive for Thorium.16
- Consider "two-zone" routes if nodes are sparse in a single zone, such as the Swamp of Sorrows to Blasted Lands Thorium route.26
Several addons can significantly enhance mining efficiency:
- Gatherer / GatherMate2: These addons record the locations of mined nodes on the world map and minimap, which is indispensable for route planning. Data packs like Spinx GatherMate2 Data (Classic) can provide pre-populated node locations.42
- HandyNotes: Allows for custom markers on the map, useful for noting particularly rich areas, dangerous spots, or specific respawn points.36
- Auctioneer / Auctionator: Essential for checking ore and bar prices on the Auction House and managing sales effectively.36
- Bagnon: Consolidates all inventory bags into a single window, making it much easier to manage the large quantities of ore and stone that miners accumulate.36
- Tracking Switchers: For players who also have Herbalism, addons like "Tracking Switcher X" or "Auto Tracker" can automatically toggle between the Find Minerals and Find Herbs abilities when out of combat.16
- Nova World Buffs: Can be useful for layer hopping strategies when targeting high-value nodes like Rich Thorium Veins.20
Stockpiling for Glory (and Gold!): Which Ores to Hoard
Knowing which materials to save can lead to significant profits when market demand spikes. Stockpiling is not merely about having materials for personal use; it's about anticipating future market needs. Understanding game progression, upcoming content patches, and the introduction of new professions (like Jewelcrafting in The Burning Crusade) allows a miner to invest in materials that are likely to appreciate in value. This transforms mining from a purely reactive gathering activity into a proactive economic one.
- Copper Bars
- Bronze Bars (requiring Copper and Tin)
- Iron Bars
- Steel Bars (requiring Iron Bars and Coal)
- Mithril Bars
- Thorium Bars
- Stone byproducts: Heavy Stone, Solid Stone, Dense Stone12
- Copper Bars
- Bronze Bars
- Silver Bars
- Iron Bars
- Steel Bars
- Mithril Bars
- Thorium Bars
- Stones: Rough, Coarse, Heavy, Solid, Dense Stone13
- Gold Ore: Becomes particularly valuable with the introduction of Jewelcrafting in The Burning Crusade, as it is used in many recipes.5
- Silver Ore/Bars, Gold Ore/Bars, Truesilver Ore/Bars: These are all used in numerous Jewelcrafting recipes.35
- Mithril Ore/Bars: The value of Mithril often skyrockets with Jewelcrafting due to its use in prospecting for Aquamarines and the high demand for Mithril Bars themselves.35
- Arcane Crystals/Arcanite Bars: These remain in high demand throughout various game phases due to their use in crafting legendary items and other high-end gear. Their price may fluctuate but generally stays high or increases with new content releases that require them (e.g., Naxxramas attunement, Tier 3 armor).30
- Gems (especially Moss Agate and Aquamarine): These gems, often found while mining, become very valuable with the advent of Jewelcrafting.35
Hidden Stashes: Mining in Dungeons
Instances can provide safer, competition-free environments for gathering ore.
- Deadmines (Alliance): Contains Copper, Tin, and Silver veins.38
- Wailing Caverns (Horde): A source of Copper and Tin.
- Razorfen Kraul (RFK): Iron Deposits can be found here.38
- Uldaman: Rich in Iron and Mithril, with some Gold and Truesilver. It can be heavily farmed by players leveling Mining.38
- Zul'Farrak (ZF): Contains Mithril. Mages capable of Area-of-Effect farming can gather ore here efficiently.
- Maraudon: Offers Mithril and Truesilver. It is also a good location for Herbalists.47
- Blackrock Depths (BRD): The primary source for Dark Iron Ore, but also contains Thorium and Rich Thorium Veins.31
- Molten Core (MC): The motherlode for Dark Iron Ore.31
- Stratholme: Contains Thorium and Rich Thorium Veins.47
- Dire Maul East (DME): Jump runs in this dungeon guarantee Rich Thorium Veins at the end (a minimum of two).27
Certain classes, such as Mages (AoE), Hunters (pets, Feign Death), Warlocks (pets, crowd control), Rogues (Stealth, Sap), and Druids (Stealth, Travel Form), are particularly adept at soloing or stealthing through dungeons to access these nodes.16
Gear Up, Miner!: Enchantments & Helpful Items
A few items can enhance a miner's efficiency and skill:
- Mining Pick: The essential, non-negotiable tool.1
- Enchant Gloves - Mining (+2 Mining Skill): This enchantment requires an Enchanter with skill 145. The formula is sold by the Dark Iron Entrepreneur in Arathi Highlands and could also drop from Dark Iron Dwarves in the Wetlands (in pre-Cataclysm versions of the game).49
- Enchant Gloves - Advanced Mining (+5 Mining Skill): A higher-level glove enchantment, requiring Enchanting skill 215.16
- Goblin Mining Helmet: Crafted by Engineers (requires Engineering 205), this helmet provides a +5 bonus to Mining skill.16
- Ample Bag Space: Ores and stones, while stackable, can quickly fill inventory space. Investing in larger bags and additional bank slots is highly recommended. Creating a dedicated bank alt can also be very helpful for managing materials.51
Happy Prospectin', Friend!
With these maps and secrets in hand, the path to becoming a master prospector lies open. May your pick always strike true, your bags overflow with precious ores, and your coin purse remain perpetually heavy. Remember to diligently study your server's market, adapt your routes to changing conditions and competition, and, most importantly, enjoy the grand adventure of unearthing Azeroth's hidden treasures! Happy prospecting!