How to Build a Branch Mine in Minecraft - Preparing

Branch mining is an efficient way to mine as much rare ores, like diamonds or lapis, with the least amount of effort and resources.

1. Gather wood and dirt. You'll need wood for crafting in your mine, so try to keep it in log form, but planks are equally well. You'll need dirt to nerdpole out of holes and explore caves, as it's easy to break and not affected by gravity.

2. Gather food. You don't need golden apples, but a stack or half a stack of meat, bread or baked potatoes are really necessary.

3. Gather things for the rest of your base. You'll need an oven or two, a crafting bench, two chests and a bed.

4. Craft ladders. You'll need ladders to go up and down the mineshaft.