Digging deep into the earth to search for valuable resources is one of the core elements of Minecraft. Since the early versions, finding diamonds has been crucial for progressing in the game. With them, you can significantly upgrade both your tools and armor. Nowadays, there are many other resources you should be on the lookout for. A mine is perfect for occasionally digging for blocks. But what is the best way to go about it?
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at various mining techniques. Since many fundamental aspects have changed with the 1.18 update, this can be confusing for returning players. Even seasoned veterans will benefit from a refresher. So, let’s dig into the depths of the Minecraft Overworld together!
Understanding the Structure of the Minecraft World
Minecraft is now over 15 years old, so it’s no surprise that some aspects have fundamentally changed. The last major change related to mining came with the “Caves & Cliffs” update and version 1.18. With the introduction of this update, the height of the world was adjusted. Now, it can be generated from 320 blocks up to -64 blocks down. As a result, there was also a significant change in the distribution of ores. Additionally, a new block called Deepslate was added below height 0, making the underground transition even more noticeable.
Height is especially important in mining, as it determines where different ores can be found. In the Java Edition, you can display coordinates with F3. In the Bedrock Edition, this is integrated and displayed by default. Use this feature to prepare for work in the mine.
All Ores Explained
Of course, you should also know what you actually want to find underground. Diamonds are one thing, but there are many other resources that are important. So, here’s a compact overview of all the ores you can extract!
Coal
- Usage: Torch, Furnace
- Height: 0 to 320
- Ideal Height: 136, 95
- Biomes: Everywhere
Copper
- Usage: Copper Blocks, Telescope, Lightning Rod, Brush
- Height: -16 to 112
- Ideal Height: 43
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in Dripstone Caves
Iron
- Usage: Tools, Armor, Rails, Anvil, Hopper, etc.
- Height: -64 to 72 / 80 to 320
- Ideal Height: 14, 232
- Biomes: Everywhere
Gold
- Usage: Tools, Armor, Clock, Trading with Piglins
- Height: -64 to 32
- Ideal Height: -16
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in Badlands
Lapis Lazuli
- Usage: Dye, Enchantment
- Height: -64 to 64
- Ideal Height: -2
- Biomes: Everywhere
Redstone
- Usage: Redstone
- Height: -64 to 16
- Ideal Height: -58
- Biomes: Everywhere
Diamonds
- Usage: Tools, Armor, Armor Trims
- Height: -64 to 16
- Ideal Height: -58
- Biomes: Everywhere
Emerald
- Usage: Trading with Villagers
- Height: -16 to 320
- Ideal Height: 85, 236
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in mountainous biomes
Ore Veins: Both iron and copper can appear in so-called veins. This means that the ores stretch over many blocks. Here, you can sometimes mine several hundred ores! Copper is often associated with granite, while iron is linked with tuff.
Different Techniques
Now you hopefully know where to find specific resources in your Minecraft world. Height is especially important if you want to mine strategically. This gives you the best chances to collect important resources. If you want a height where all resources are possible, level 8 is a good start! Otherwise, you can simply follow the ideal heights mentioned above when looking for specific resources.
On the Mountain Tops
Yes, surprisingly, you don’t even have to go underground to obtain some resources. Based on the distribution, you can see that some ores spawn higher up, making a mountain hike worthwhile. Especially in the “Stony Peaks” and “Jagged Peaks” biomes, you will find success! Here, you can find coal, iron, and emeralds. The best part is that you can see them directly.
Cave Tours
If you don’t want to dig tunnels, you can simply go on a normal cave tour. On your way down, you will be able to collect many exposed ores. However, the graph above shows that some ores have reduced exposure to air, making this method significantly less efficient.
Strip Mining
The simplest method for mining is still strip mining. “Strip” here stands for “stripes,” representing the pattern of this method. Dig to your desired level and proceed in tunnels with two blocks of spacing. This way, you will almost find every ore in your vicinity. You can continue the tunnel infinitely, but it’s worth adding a cross-section every 200 blocks.
Branch Mining
Branch mining works similarly but is a bit gentler on your pickaxe. The word “branch” can be translated as “limb,” like on a tree. Long tunnels are your starting point, but this time 12 blocks apart. In each tunnel, you make a kind of “test dig” to the side, each 5 blocks long and with two blocks of spacing. This exposes almost every block in the vicinity.
Safety Measures
Finally, we want to give you some tips, tricks, and safety measures to help you move safely underground!
- Never dig straight down! Otherwise, you might fall into lava or die from fall damage.
- Watch out for lava in walls or on the ground, and bring a water bucket if necessary to turn lava into obsidian.
- Use torches not only as a light source but also for orientation. Always place them on the right to find your way. You can also use signs.
- Use the right pickaxe for mining ores. At least a wooden pickaxe for coal, a stone pickaxe for copper, lapis lazuli, and iron, and at least an iron pickaxe for gold, redstone, diamonds, and emeralds.
- Avoid digging near the “Deep Dark” biome to avoid awakening the Warden.
- Build a small base underground to collect resources and smelt some of the ores.
Conclusion
The “Mine” in Minecraft is important for a reason. There are many valuable resources to be found underground, from redstone to precious diamonds. Therefore, targeted excavations are one of the best ways to obtain these resources. Use one of the mentioned options to dig a large mine. Efficient resource management gets even better when you do it on your own server. Rent your Minecraft server and control your environment like never before! Plus, your fellow players will surely help with digging. You can also share or trade resources with each other.
