Key Goals: Find valuable ores (iron, coal, redstone, gold, diamonds) and build a resource pipeline for long-term projects.
Strip Mining & Branching: Choose a safe mining level (commonly around Y-level -58 in modern versions after the Caves & Cliffs update, or around Y-level 11 in older versions) for diamond extraction. Create a main hallway and branch tunnels every 2-3 blocks to efficiently find ores without missing valuable veins.
Cave Exploration Strategy: Light up caves thoroughly and explore them systematically. Torches on one side of the wall (e.g., always place torches on the right) help you avoid getting lost. Bring a water bucket to safely descend, protect against lava, and navigate tricky vertical drops.
Fortify Your Mines: Consider placing fences or doors at cave entrances to prevent mobs from wandering in. Store extra pickaxes, torches, and food in a small chest at the mine entrance to minimize trips back to your main base.
Fortune & Silk Touch: Once you obtain an enchanting table and gather experience levels, focus on achieving key enchantments like Fortune (to maximize ore yields) and Silk Touch (to collect valuable blocks intact). Fortune III on a pickaxe can drastically boost your diamond and emerald haul.
