So you want to level your mining skill in The Burning Crusade (TBC)? Alright guys, buckle up! This guide will walk you through the most efficient paths to get your mining skill from 1 to the maximum of 375. We'll also cover some useful smelting tips along the way to maximize your profits and efficiency. Let's get started!

Why Level Mining in TBC?

First off, why bother leveling mining? Well, for starters, it's a fantastic way to make gold. Mining provides essential materials for professions like blacksmithing, engineering, and jewelcrafting. As these professions are always in demand, so are the materials required to level them. This makes mining a profitable venture throughout TBC. Secondly, if you're planning to level any of the aforementioned crafting professions, mining provides you with a way to gather your own raw materials, saving you a ton of gold that you would otherwise spend at the Auction House. Think of it as an investment in your character's overall progression.

Furthermore, mining contributes to your character's self-sufficiency. Being able to mine ores and refine them into bars is incredibly useful, especially if you are venturing into new zones or participating in raids. Many endgame recipes require a steady supply of metal bars. Finally, let's not forget the satisfaction of hitting a rich node and seeing all that ore flow into your bags. There's a certain charm to being a self-sufficient miner, providing for your own needs and contributing to the economy of the game world.

General Tips for Efficient Mining

Before we dive into specific level ranges, here are some general tips to help you level mining faster:

• Get a Good Pickaxe: Upgrade your pickaxe as soon as possible. A better pickaxe reduces the time it takes to mine each node. Check the Auction House or blacksmithing vendors for upgrades.
• Enchant Your Gloves: Consider enchanting your gloves with a mining enchant. This can provide a significant boost to your mining skill, allowing you to mine higher-level nodes sooner.
• Use Mining-Specific Gear: Some gear pieces have +Mining Skill bonuses. While these might not be your primary stats, they can be helpful while leveling. Keep an eye out for these on the Auction House.
• Track Nodes with Addons: Use addons like GatherMate2 or similar to track mining node locations. These addons can save you a lot of time by showing you exactly where to find the nodes you need.
• Plan Your Route: Before you start mining in an area, take a moment to plan your route. Identify the areas with the highest concentration of nodes and create a path that allows you to efficiently gather them.
• Be Aware of Mobs: Keep an eye out for enemy mobs in the area. Nothing is more frustrating than getting interrupted by a mob while you're trying to mine a node. Clear out any nearby threats before you start mining.
• Consider a Mining Buddy: Leveling with a friend can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. You can cover more ground, protect each other from mobs, and share the loot.

Mining Leveling Guide: 1-375

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a breakdown of where to mine and what to smelt at each skill level. Remember to always mine the highest level ore available to you for the fastest skill gains.

Mining Skill 1-65: Copper Ore

• Zones: Elwynn Forest (Alliance), Durotar (Horde)
• Smelting: Copper Bar (Skill Level 1)

Starting at level 1, you'll be mining Copper Ore. Elwynn Forest for Alliance and Durotar for Horde are the ideal zones. These areas are low-level and densely populated with Copper Veins. Simply run around, mine every node you see, and smelt the ore into Copper Bars. Smelting gives you additional skill points, so don't neglect it!

When you're mining in these starting zones, be mindful of the respawn times of the ore nodes. Copper Veins tend to respawn relatively quickly, so you shouldn't have to wait too long between nodes. However, if you find yourself in a particularly crowded area, consider moving to a less populated zone to avoid competition for the nodes. Remember to keep an eye out for any low-level mobs that may pose a threat, especially if you're playing a class with limited self-healing or defensive capabilities. Additionally, be sure to sell any excess materials or grey items to vendors to keep your inventory clear and make some extra gold.

Mining Skill 66-125: Tin and Silver Ore

• Zones: Westfall (Alliance), The Barrens (Horde)
• Smelting: Tin Bar (Skill Level 65), Silver Bar (Skill Level 75)

Once you hit skill level 65, it's time to move on to Tin Ore and Silver Ore. Westfall is a good spot for Alliance, while The Barrens works well for Horde. Tin is more common than Silver, so focus on mining Tin until you can reliably find Silver. Smelt both into their respective bars for extra skill points. Don't underestimate Silver, as it can be quite valuable on the Auction House.

As you transition to mining Tin and Silver, be prepared for a slightly more challenging environment compared to the starting zones. Westfall and The Barrens are home to a wider variety of mobs, some of which may be aggressive towards players of your level. Pay close attention to your surroundings and be ready to defend yourself if necessary. Additionally, the competition for Tin and Silver nodes may be fiercer than what you experienced with Copper, especially during peak playtimes. Consider exploring different areas within the zone to find less contested nodes or adjusting your mining schedule to avoid the busiest hours. Remember to continue smelting your ores into bars for additional skill points, and don't forget to sell any unwanted items or materials to vendors or list them on the Auction House to generate income.

Mining Skill 126-175: Iron and Gold Ore

• Zones: Hillsbrad Foothills (Both Factions)
• Smelting: Iron Bar (Skill Level 125), Gold Bar (Skill Level 155)

At skill level 125, head to Hillsbrad Foothills. This zone is contested, but it has a good mix of Iron Ore and Gold Ore. Iron is more abundant, so focus on that. Smelting Iron and Gold into bars will help you level up faster. Keep an eye out for PvP encounters in this zone, as it can be quite active.

Hillsbrad Foothills presents a significant step up in terms of challenge and competition compared to the previous zones. As a contested territory, you'll need to be vigilant about potential PvP encounters with players from the opposing faction. Be prepared to defend yourself or retreat if necessary, and consider grouping up with other players for added protection. Additionally, the mobs in Hillsbrad Foothills are generally tougher than those in Westfall or The Barrens, so make sure you're adequately geared and prepared for combat. The competition for Iron and Gold nodes can be fierce, especially during peak hours, so try to find less crowded areas or adjust your mining schedule accordingly. Smelting your Iron and Gold ores into bars remains an essential part of the leveling process, providing valuable skill points and potentially generating income through the Auction House. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and prioritize your safety while mining in this contested zone.

Mining Skill 176-250: Mithril and Truesilver Ore

• Zones: Arathi Highlands (Both Factions), The Hinterlands (Both Factions)
• Smelting: Mithril Bar (Skill Level 175), Truesilver Bar (Skill Level 230)

Once you reach 175, Mithril Ore and Truesilver Ore become your bread and butter. Arathi Highlands and The Hinterlands are both great options. Mithril is more common, so focus on that until you can consistently find Truesilver. Truesilver is very valuable, so make sure to mine it whenever you see it. Smelting these ores into bars will keep your skill gains steady.

As you venture into Arathi Highlands and The Hinterlands in search of Mithril and Truesilver, you'll encounter a diverse range of challenges and opportunities. These zones are home to a variety of mobs, some of which can be quite challenging for solo players, so be prepared for combat and consider grouping up with others for added support. The competition for Mithril and Truesilver nodes can be intense, especially in popular areas, so explore different regions within the zones to find less contested spots. Truesilver Ore, in particular, is highly sought after due to its value in crafting and trading, so be sure to prioritize mining it whenever you come across a node. Smelting your Mithril and Truesilver ores into bars remains a crucial aspect of the leveling process, providing valuable skill points and potentially generating significant income through the Auction House. Remember to stay vigilant, adapt to the changing conditions, and make the most of your time in these rich and rewarding mining zones.

Mining Skill 251-300: Thorium Ore

• Zones: Un'Goro Crater (Both Factions), Burning Steppes (Both Factions), Winterspring (Both Factions)
• Smelting: Thorium Bar (Skill Level 250)

At 250, it's Thorium time! Un'Goro Crater, Burning Steppes, and Winterspring are all excellent zones. Thorium is abundant in these zones, especially near lava flows and mountainous regions. Smelt all that Thorium into bars. This is also a good time to start looking for Rich Thorium Veins, which can contain Arcane Crystals (used in high-end crafting recipes).

As you delve into the Thorium-rich zones of Un'Goro Crater, Burning Steppes, and Winterspring, you'll encounter a landscape teeming with both opportunity and danger. These zones are home to a wide array of mobs, many of which are aggressive and can pose a significant threat to unprepared miners. Be sure to exercise caution and be ready to defend yourself or seek assistance from other players. The competition for Thorium nodes can be fierce, especially in popular areas and during peak hours, so consider exploring less frequented regions or adjusting your mining schedule to avoid the busiest times. Keep a sharp lookout for Rich Thorium Veins, as these special nodes have a chance to contain valuable Arcane Crystals, which are highly sought after by crafters and can fetch a hefty price on the Auction House. Smelting your Thorium ore into bars remains an essential part of the leveling process, providing valuable skill points and potentially generating substantial income. Remember to stay vigilant, adapt to the challenges of the environment, and make the most of your time in these rewarding mining zones.

Mining Skill 301-375: Fel Iron, Adamantite, and Khorium Ore

• Zones: Hellfire Peninsula (Both Factions), Zangarmarsh (Both Factions), Nagrand (Both Factions)
• Smelting: Fel Iron Bar (Skill Level 300), Adamantite Bar (Skill Level 325), Khorium Bar (Skill Level 350)

Welcome to Outland! At skill level 300, head to Hellfire Peninsula for Fel Iron Ore. As you level, move on to Zangarmarsh for Adamantite Ore, and finally, Nagrand for Khorium Ore. Khorium is rare and highly valuable, so mine it whenever you see it! Smelting these ores into bars is crucial for leveling and making gold.

Stepping into the war-torn landscapes of Outland marks the final stretch of your mining journey. Hellfire Peninsula, with its fiery terrain and demonic presence, is your starting point for gathering Fel Iron Ore. As you gain proficiency, venture into the marshy depths of Zangarmarsh to unearth Adamantite Ore, a valuable resource for crafting powerful items. Finally, the rolling plains of Nagrand beckon with the promise of Khorium Ore, a rare and highly sought-after material that can fetch a premium price on the Auction House. Be warned, however, that Outland is a dangerous place, teeming with aggressive creatures and rival players vying for control of valuable resources. Exercise caution, stay vigilant, and be prepared to defend yourself against any threats that may arise. Smelting your Fel Iron, Adamantite, and Khorium ores into bars remains essential for maximizing your skill gains and generating income. Remember to adapt to the challenges of the environment, explore different areas to find less contested nodes, and make the most of your time in these rewarding mining zones.

Smelting Tips

Smelting is an important part of leveling mining. It gives you extra skill points and provides you with bars that are needed for various professions. Here are a few tips:

• Smelt as You Go: Don't wait until you have a huge stack of ore. Smelt the ore as you mine it. This helps to keep your inventory clean and ensures you're always gaining skill points.
• Use a Smelting Macro: Create a macro to quickly smelt ore. This can save you time and clicks.
• Consider Smelting Bonuses: Some items and talents can increase your smelting speed or provide other bonuses. Look into these if you want to optimize your smelting.
• Check Auction House Prices: Sometimes, it's more profitable to sell the raw ore rather than smelting it into bars. Check the Auction House prices before you smelt to see which option is more profitable.

Conclusion

Leveling mining in TBC can be a grind, but it’s also a profitable and useful skill. By following this guide, you should be able to reach 375 in no time. Remember to be patient, use addons to track nodes, and always mine the highest level ore available to you. Happy mining!