When you start playing WoW chances are you have no idea how the rich players are so rich and no one to show you how to get as rich as them. In this guide I’m going to reveal some secrets to help you achieve much more than you currently are.

You won’t be able to start learning the mining profession until you reach level 5 in World of Warcraft. As a newbie over your first 5 levels it’s a good idea to try to save a little money – you can then use this to get started in mining as soon as you reach level 5.

Once you’re at a point where you’re ready to leave the newbie area, you’re ready to start mining. Ask one of the guards where a mining trainer is and head over to him. Purchase the mining skill and then go into a nearby blacksmith to buy a pick. The pick is the only tool miners require.

You may initially think that Mining would work well with Engineering, Blacksmithing, or Jewelcrafting because these professions depend on mining as a gathering skill. Don’t choose these though, pick Skinning and go and purchase your skinning knife. Skinning is preferable to Herbalism because with the Herbalism profession you’ll need to track the herbs. You can only track one at a time though which is why Skinning has an advantage (gives you an additional income source).

As you’re now trained up, its time to start making some money. As a newbie you’ll start in a copper zone. Maintain your mineral tracking high and hunt out the golden dots on your minimap. These dots represent mineral deposits which is where you need to head to start your mining. Don’t be surprised if you fail at first in your new profession, it will get easier. Keep on mining until you get a couple of stacks of copper, then take this to the forge. When you smelt it your mining skill will increase which will result in fewer failed mining attempts.

As you’re now earning metal bars you can start to make gold in the auction house. To do this, go to the Auction House and see what others are selling the same items for, match their price.

Every zone follows these same principles. As you get to more advanced zones you’ll mine higher quality metals. Repeat the process of smelting them in the forge and then selling them in the AH. From time to time you’ll come across a gem when mining. Sell these in the AH as well for an extra little bonus.

If you followed my advice you will be skinning your way to riches as well. One stream of income is nice but more is much better. Use this simple World of Warcraft Mining Guide and you will be in gold for your entire career.