Minecraft Mining Tips

In Minecraft, mining is the most important thing you can do. After all, mining is how you get your resources, allowing you to build creative structures, craft armor, and ultimately design your own in-game experience.

However, if you’re not sure where to start or what the best way to mine is, mining in Minecraft can be tedious. You may feel like you can’t find the resources you need to be successful. 

To help you get started and create more efficient mines, we’ve gathered and compiled the information you need below.

These tips and tricks will help you find those precious resources you need. If you’re feeling stuck, check it out. You may just discover a new way to play your game. 

What Am I Looking For and Where Do I Find It?

If you’re just starting out, you may not even know what resources are available.

Here, we provide a list of the different resources you can find while mining, where you can find them, and what they’re best used for.

Keep in mind, this guide references layers. Unsure what layer you’re in?

Simply press F3, and check your y-coordinate. It’ll let you know which layer of the game you’re in. 

Coal

Coal will be your most common resource. It’s found anywhere underground, however you’ll find it in abundance at level 40 and below.

You’ll want to mine this as you get the chance, as it’s great to use for torches and can also be used in your furnace as fuel. 

Iron

Iron is also fairly common. It’s found underground just about anywhere, but like coal, you’ll find it in larger quantities under level 40.

Most commonly, you’ll use this resource for creating armor, tools, and weapons prior to finding diamonds and for constructing railways and other structures. 

Gold

Gold is a little rarer and is often found exclusively under level 30.

This resource can be used for a variety of reasons, but most commonly you’ll use it for making potions and craft items, as well as to power rails. 

Redstone

Redstone is found anywhere below layer 16.

You’ll use it to make potions, create redstone circuits, and in certain crafting projects. 

Lapis Lazuli

This resource can be found anywhere below layer 30 and is most commonly found near layer 12.

However, this resource is often used exclusively for decoration purposes. 

Emerald

A more exclusive resource, you can only find emerald in extremely hilly terrain, below level 30.

This is a great resource to be used when trading with villagers and can get you some awesome items. 

Diamond

This is the most precious resource in the game, and available most often below layer 16.

You can use it to craft the most durable armor, weapons, tools, and create certain craft projects. You’ll likely search for this the most. 

Creating your Mine

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you’re probably ready to create your mine.

Keep in mind, levels work like so: 

• the highest placed object can go on level 124
• bedrock is in levels 1-4
• ground level varies, but often starts anywhere between 80 and 100.

You’ll want to find an area to mine in and then create a staircase pattern downward until you reach bedrock.

Make sure you place torches at least every 10 blocks, as this will keep monsters from spawning. 

You may run into caves, lava, or water as you dig, so be careful. 

Once you reach bedrock, you’ll want to create a mine-hall.

From there, every few blocks, you can create mining corridors and dig as far out as possible. You’ll be far enough below the ground to have access to all resources.

Mining in straight lines allows you to potentially access more resources and use minimal efforts. 

Creating a mining hall like this will also give you the ability to have storage and supplies in this location, which can be important as you mine.

Just make sure that you watch out, as you mine, for water, enemies, and potential pre-existing structures. Good luck!