The Mines are one of Stardew Valley's main sources of ore, combat progress and materials. Productive runs are easier when you enter with a clear goal instead of staying until energy or health forces you out.
Set a floor goal
Use the elevator system to think in milestones. A short run that reaches the next useful checkpoint can be more valuable than a long unfocused trip.
Bring the right supplies
- Food for energy and health
- Enough open inventory space for ore and drops
- A weapon appropriate for your current depth
- Pickaxe upgrades when mining speed becomes the bottleneck
Ore planning
Decide what resource you actually need before entering. Copper, iron, gold and other materials become relevant at different stages of farm and tool progression.
Combat versus mining time
Not every enemy needs to be fought. If the run's goal is ore or floor progress, avoid unnecessary combat when it consumes more time than it is worth.
Inventory discipline
Keep the backpack focused on materials you need. Leaving with useful ore, geodes and targeted drops is usually better than filling every slot with low-priority items.
Connect mining to farm progression
Mining feeds tool upgrades, crafting and machine expansion. Use the Mines as part of the broader farm plan rather than a separate activity.
Source: Stardew Valley Wiki — The Mines.