Digging deep underground to search for valuable resources is one of the main components of Minecraft. Since the early versions, searching for diamonds has been crucial to advance in the game. With diamonds, you can significantly upgrade both your tools and your armor. Nowadays, there are many other resources you should be on the lookout for. A mine is perfect for occasionally digging for blocks. But how do you go about it effectively?
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at various mining techniques. Since many fundamental aspects have changed since the 1.18 update, this can be confusing for returning players. Even seasoned veterans can benefit from a refresher. So, let’s dig deep into the depths of Minecraft’s Overworld together!
Understanding Minecraft’s World Structure
Minecraft is now over 15 years old, so it’s no wonder some aspects have fundamentally changed. The last major change affecting mining came with the “Caves & Cliffs” update and version 1.18. With this update, the world’s height was adjusted. It can now be generated from 320 blocks up and -64 blocks down. This also brought a significant change in ore distribution. Additionally, from height 0 onwards, a new block called Deepslate was added, making the transition underground even more distinct.
Height is particularly important in mining because it determines where certain ores can be found. In the Java version, you can display coordinates with F3. In the Bedrock Edition, this feature is directly integrated and displayed normally. Use this function to prepare for work in the mine.
All Ores Presented
Of course, you should also know what you’re looking for underground. Diamonds are one thing, but there are many other important resources. So, here’s a compact overview of all the ores you can mine!
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 exactly you can find specific resources in your Minecraft world. Height is especially important if you want to mine with intention. This way, you have the best chances of collecting important resources. If you want a height where all resources are possible, then height 8 is a good starting point! Otherwise, you can simply follow the ideal heights mentioned above if you’re looking for specific resources.
On Mountain Tops
Yes, surprisingly, you don’t even have to go underground to obtain some of the 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’ll find coal, iron, and emeralds. And the best part is, you can see them directly.
Cave Tours
If you don’t want to dig tunnels, you can simply go on a regular cave tour. Along your way down, you’ll find many exposed ores. However, from the graph above, you can see that some ores have reduced exposure to the air, making this method significantly less efficient.
Strip Mining
The simplest method for mining is still strip mining. “Strip” refers to the pattern of this method. Dig to your desired level and proceed in tunnels with a two-block gap between each. This way, you’ll find almost every ore in your vicinity. You can extend the tunnel infinitely, but it’s worth creating a side tunnel every 200 blocks.
Branch Mining
Branch mining works similarly but is a bit gentler on your pickaxe. The word “Branch” can be likened to a tree branch. Here, long tunnels are your starting point, but this time 12 blocks apart. In each tunnel, you make a “test dig” to the side, each 5 blocks long and with a two-block gap. This way, you expose 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! You might end up in lava or die from fall damage.
- Watch out for lava in walls or on the ground and bring a water bucket to turn lava into obsidian if necessary.
- 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 mining near the “Deep Dark” biome to prevent waking the Warden.
- Build a small base underground to store resources and smelt some of the ores.
Conclusion
The “Mine” in Minecraft is crucial for a reason. Underground, you can find many important resources, from redstone to valuable diamonds. Therefore, intentional excavations are one of the best ways to obtain these resources. Use one of the mentioned options to excavate a large mine. Efficient resource management is even better when you can do it on your own server. Rent your Minecraft server and control your environment like never before! Your fellow players will surely help with digging. You can also share or trade resources with each other.
