Digging deep into the earth in search of valuable resources is a cornerstone of Minecraft. Since the early versions, finding diamonds has been crucial to progressing in the game. These can significantly upgrade your tools and armour. Nowadays, there are many other materials to keep an eye out for. A mine is perfect for periodically digging for blocks. But what’s the best way to go about it?
In this post, we take a closer look at various mining techniques. Since the 1.18 update has changed many fundamental aspects, 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 surprise that some aspects have fundamentally changed. The latest significant change related to mining came with the “Caves & Cliffs” update and version 1.18. With this update, the world height was adjusted. It can now generate from 320 blocks up and -64 blocks down. Consequently, there has been a significant change in ore distribution. Additionally, a new block called deepslate was added below height 0, making the transition underground more distinct.
Height is particularly important in mining as it determines where certain ores can be found. In the Java version, you can display coordinates with F3. In the Bedrock Edition, this is directly integrated and displayed normally. Use this function to prepare for work in the mine.
All Ores Explained
Of course, you should also know what you’re looking for underground. Diamonds are one thing, but there are many other important resources. Here’s a compact overview of all the ores you can mine!
Coal
- Use: Torches, Furnace
- Height: 0 to 320
- Ideal Height: 136, 95
- Biomes: Everywhere
Copper
- Use: Copper blocks, Telescope, Lightning rod, Brush
- Height: -16 to 112
- Ideal Height: 43
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in dripstone caves
Iron
- Use: Tools, Armour, Rails, Anvil, Hopper, etc.
- Height: -64 to 72 / 80 to 320
- Ideal Height: 14, 232
- Biomes: Everywhere
Gold
- Use: Tools, Armour, Clock, Trading with Piglins
- Height: -64 to 32
- Ideal Height: -16
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in badlands
Lapis Lazuli
- Use: Dye, Enchantment
- Height: -64 to 64
- Ideal Height: -2
- Biomes: Everywhere
Redstone
- Use: Redstone
- Height: -64 to 16
- Ideal Height: -58
- Biomes: Everywhere
Diamonds
- Use: Tools, Armour, Armour trims
- Height: -64 to 16
- Ideal Height: -58
- Biomes: Everywhere
Emerald
- Use: Trading with Villagers
- Height: -16 to 320
- Ideal Height: 85, 236
- Biomes: Everywhere, more common in mountain biomes
Ore veins: Both iron and copper can appear in veins. This means that ores span across many blocks. You can sometimes mine several hundred ores here! Copper is often associated with granite, while iron is linked to tuff.
Various Techniques
Now you hopefully know where to find certain resources in your Minecraft world. Height is especially important if you want to mine specifically. This gives you the best chance of collecting important resources. If you want a height where all resources are possible, then height 8 is a good start! Otherwise, simply follow the ideal heights mentioned above if you are looking for specific resources.
On Mountain Tops
Yes, surprisingly, you don’t even have to go underground to obtain some resources. From the distribution, you can see that some ores spawn higher up, so a mountain hike might be worth it. Especially in the “Stony Peaks” and “Jagged Peaks” biomes, you’ll find them! Here you can find coal, iron, and emeralds. And 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 regular cave tour. On your way down, you’ll be able to collect many exposed ores. However, from the graph above, you can see that some ores have reduced exposure to air, making this method less efficient.
Strip Mining
The simplest method for mining is still strip mining. “Strip” here represents the pattern of this method. Dig to your desired level and proceed in tunnels spaced two blocks apart. This way, you’ll find almost every ore in your vicinity. You can continue the tunnel indefinitely, but it’s worth creating a crosscut every 200 blocks.
Branch Mining
Branch mining works similarly but is a bit gentler on your pickaxe. The word “branch” here can be translated as a tree branch. 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 spaced two blocks apart. This way, you reveal almost every block in the vicinity.
Safety Measures
Finally, we want to give you some tips, tricks, and safety measures. This way, you can 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 to turn lava into obsidian if needed.
- 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 crucial for a reason. Underground, you can find many important resources, from redstone to valuable diamonds. Therefore, targeted excavations are one of the best ways to obtain these resources. Use one of the mentioned options to create a large mine. Efficient resource management gets even better if 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 the digging. You can also share or trade resources with each other.
