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Overview
ORE is a Solana-native digital store of value that transforms crypto mining from traditional proof-of-work into a strategic grid-based game. Participants deploy SOL on a 5x5 grid of blocks, compete for rewards every minute, and can earn from the accumulating Motherlode jackpot. This guide covers how ORE v2 mining works and how to get started.
ORE v2 launched on October 22, 2025, transforming mining from traditional computational proof-of-work into a strategic grid-based game. This guide has been updated to reflect the ORE v2 protocol.
What You Will Do
- Understand the ORE v2 grid-based mining system
- Learn how the 5x5 block grid and round mechanics work
- Discover the Motherlode bonus system
- Start mining with the web app
- Master the refining strategy to maximize returns
- Set up staking for protocol revenue sharing
What You Will Need
- A Solana wallet
- SOL for mining deposits and transaction fees (0.5-1 SOL recommended to start)
Introduction
ORE is a fair-launch cryptocurrency built as a Solana-native store of value. Every ORE token is distributed through community mining with zero insider or team allocations.
Understanding the 5x5 Mining Grid
Grid mining is the foundation of ORE v2. Miners deploy SOL on blocks in a 5x5 grid. Each minute, the ORE program generates a random number to select one winning block, and miners on that block split SOL from all losing blocks proportionally based on their stake.
During each round, miners deploy SOL on one or more blocks. You can concentrate on a single block or spread across multiple blocks. At the end of 60 seconds, the ORE program generates a random number to select one winning block. This selection cannot be predicted or manipulated.
All SOL from the 24 losing blocks is collected and redistributed to miners on the winning block. Distribution is proportional. If you control 10% of the winning block's total SOL, you receive 10% of all collected SOL from losing blocks.
In addition to SOL redistribution, the protocol mints approximately 1 ORE per minute. This reward distributes in one of two ways: either 1 ORE splits proportionally among all winning miners based on stake size, or one miner wins all 1 ORE through weighted random selection.
This dual distribution balances consistent small rewards with occasional larger payouts.
Example:
You deploy 0.01 SOL on Block 7. Total SOL on Block 7 is 0.3 SOL, giving you 3.33% of the block. If Block 7 wins:
- You receive 3.33% of all SOL from the 24 losing blocks
- You receive 3.33% of the 1 ORE reward (or 3.33% chance to win all of it)
- If Motherlode triggers, you get 3.33% of the jackpot
Motherlode Bonus System
The Motherlode Pool accumulates 0.2 ORE every round with a 1 in 625 chance to trigger, distributing the entire pool to winning miners. This creates a lottery-style payout on top of regular mining rewards.
Each round, 0.2 ORE is added to the Motherlode pool. This happens automatically regardless of which block wins or how many miners participate. The pool grows continuously until it triggers.
When the winning block is revealed each round, there's a 1 in 625 chance (0.16%) the Motherlode triggers. If triggered, the entire pool distributes proportionally to miners on that round's winning block based on their stake.
Average trigger occurs after ~625 rounds, creating an expected pool of ~125 ORE (625 × 0.2 ORE). However, variance plays a major role. The Motherlode might trigger after just a few rounds with a tiny pool, or accumulate for thousands of rounds creating a jackpot worth hundreds of ORE.
This unpredictability is intentional. Consistent mining maximizes your chances of being present when large jackpots trigger. Sporadic mining means you'll likely miss the big payouts.
Mine ORE
The web application provides the easiest entry point to ORE mining with no technical setup required.
Navigate to ore.supply and connect your wallet. The interface displays the 5x5 grid with real-time information about SOL deployed on each block.
Select your SOL amount per block. Starting with 0.005-0.01 SOL per block is reasonable for beginners. Then specify how many blocks to occupy. The interface automatically calculates your total deployment (amount per block × number of blocks).
You can manually select specific blocks or let the system distribute automatically. Some miners target blocks with less competition, while others ignore it since selection is purely random.
Manual Mode requires you to deploy for each round manually. This is excellent for learning because you observe each round's results and develop intuition for the mechanics.
Auto Mode (Recommended) lets you approve once and the protocol automatically continues deploying across subsequent rounds until you stop it. This maximizes consistent participation, which is crucial for Motherlode opportunities and refining fee accumulation.
After each 60-second round, the interface reveals the winning block. If you had SOL on the winning block, you'll see your returns. The interface tracks your accumulated unclaimed ORE balance, total SOL won/lost, and Motherlode status showing current pool size.
Refine ORE
Refining is the process of claiming mined ORE from your mining account to your wallet. A 10% fee applies, but this fee doesn't go to the protocol. Instead, it redistributes proportionally to all miners with unclaimed balances.
The more unclaimed ORE you hold, the larger your share of each redistribution, creating a compounding incentive to delay claiming.
Example:
- You have 10 ORE unclaimed
- Another miner claims 100 ORE and pays 10 ORE as fee
- Total unclaimed across all miners: 1,000 ORE
- You own 1% of unclaimed pool, so you receive 1% of the 10 ORE fee = 0.1 ORE
- Your balance grows to 10.1 ORE automatically
Stake ORE
Staking allows you to lock ORE to earn yield from protocol revenue. The protocol uses 10% of mining fees to buy back ORE from the market. Of the bought-back ORE, 90% is buried and 10% is distributed to stakers.
The protocol automatically collects 10% of all SOL mining rewards as revenue. This SOL funds an automated buyback program that purchases ORE from the open market continuously.
The buyback serves two purposes:
- Supporting token price through buy pressure
- Acquiring ORE for distribution
Once ORE is bought back, 90% is "buried" (burned but can be reminted if supply falls below cap) and 10% is distributed to stakers as yield. This 9:1 ratio creates substantial deflationary pressure while providing staking rewards.
Choose Your Mining Strategy
ORE mining involves financial risk. Only one block wins each round. The other 24 blocks lose their deployed SOL. Most rounds result in losses. You only profit when on the winning block and your share exceeds your deployment. There are no guaranteed ways to avoid losses. Never deploy more than you can afford to lose.
Start small while learning. 0.005-0.01 SOL per block provides meaningful participation without excessive risk. With 25 blocks, each has a 4% chance (1/25) of winning each round. If you deploy on 5 blocks, you have roughly a 20% chance of being on the winning block.
Never deploy more per round than you can afford to lose completely. Most rounds will be losses. You only profit when your winning share exceeds your total deployment.
Two main approaches exist:
Diversification: Deploy small amounts across 10-15 blocks. This creates higher probability of winning with lower variance but smaller individual wins. Better for risk-averse miners seeking steady accumulation.
Concentration: Deploy larger amounts on 2-5 blocks. Lower win probability but when you win, your concentrated stake means much larger payouts. Higher variance with bigger swings. Better for miners comfortable with volatility. Neither is inherently superior. Choose based on your risk tolerance and bankroll size.
Some other ways to maximize returns are to:
- Mine consistently to maximize Motherlode chances and refining fee accumulation. Mining 100 consecutive rounds is far more profitable than 100 random rounds across time.
- Delay refining as long as your situation allows. Your unclaimed balance grows from other miners' fees. Some miners refine quarterly or annually to maximize compounding.
- Stake refined ORE to earn protocol revenue share. This creates a cycle: mining generates ORE, delayed refining compounds it, staking generates yield, buybacks support value.
- Use Auto mode to ensure consistent presence and avoid missing rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ORE v2 5x5 grid mining system work?
ORE v2 mining uses a 5x5 grid with 25 blocks. Each round lasts 60 seconds. Miners deploy SOL on one or more blocks, and at the end of each round, the protocol randomly selects one winning block. All SOL from the 24 losing blocks is collected and redistributed proportionally to miners on the winning block based on their stake. Additionally, approximately 1 ORE is minted per minute and distributed to winning miners.
What is the Motherlode and how does it trigger?
The Motherlode is a jackpot system that accumulates 0.2 ORE every round. When the winning block is revealed, there's a 1 in 625 chance (0.16%) the Motherlode triggers, distributing the entire pool proportionally to miners on that round's winning block.
Why should I delay refining my ORE?
When you refine (claim) ORE, a 10% fee applies. This fee is distributed proportionally to all miners with unclaimed balances. The more unclaimed ORE you hold, the larger your share of each redistribution.
What's the difference between Manual and Auto mode?
Manual Mode requires you to deploy SOL for each round manually. Auto Mode lets you approve once and the protocol automatically continues deploying across subsequent rounds until you stop it.
How much SOL do I need to start mining ORE?
You'll need 0.5-1 SOL to start, though beginners can start with 0.005-0.01 SOL per block for meaningful participation without excessive risk. This amount covers both mining deposits and transaction fees.
What are the risks of ORE mining?
Only one block wins each round while the other 24 blocks lose their deployed SOL. Most rounds result in losses. You only profit when you're on the winning block and your share exceeds your deployment. There are no guaranteed ways to avoid losses, so never deploy more than you can afford to lose completely.
Wrapping Up
ORE v2 transforms cryptocurrency mining into a strategic game built on Solana. By understanding the grid mechanics, leveraging the Motherlode system, optimizing refining timing, and staking for revenue share, you can participate in this Solana-native digital store of value. Start small as you learn the mechanics, adjust your strategy based on your risk tolerance, and consider combining mining with staking for maximum returns.
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