Both Jinn and Jong laughed at the puny mining equipment that most people use. You can use a Mining Pick to gather the items you need to make the Sturdy Shovel they recommend for "real mining". By now, everyone knows of the treasures that can be found in the Lost Mines. Diamonds, ambers, gold, quartz, amethyst, mica and topaz galore. Of course there is plenty of iron nuggets, clay and mud to go around. Most people took the time to rob a few squirrels of golden, silver and bronze acorns. You never know what you can use items for in these times.