Short answer: the most commonly recommended Y level to mine for ancient debris (and thus Netherite production) is around Y 15, with many players also using nearby levels like Y 13–14 when using certain mining methods. This is because ancient debris spawns most densely in that region, giving you the best balance of yield and safety from lava pockets. Details and guidance

• What you’re mining: Netherite is obtained by smelting ancient debris into Netherite scraps, which are then combined with gold to forge Netherite ingots at a smithing table. Upgrading diamond gear to Netherite requires a smithing table and a smithing template.

• Best height and why:
  • Strip mining at or around Y level 15 is the widely cited sweet spot for the highest ancient debris spawn density per chunk, making it the most efficient single-layer target for many players. Some exploration guides note a range from roughly Y 8 to Y 22, but Y 15 consistently yields the best results for the standard mining approach.

* If using bedrock explosions ( TNT/beds ), some sources and players mention slight variations, with Y 13 sometimes cited as optimal for explosion-based methods due to lava timing and debris distribution. However, the consensus for safe, steady strip mining remains near Y 15.

• Practical tips:
  • Bring fire resistance or plan to avoid lava; lava is common in the Nether at these depths. Have blocks ready to block lava flows as you mine.

* Use efficient tools (diamond or better) with enchantments like Efficiency and Unbreaking to speed up mining.

* Once you collect ancient debris, smelt them into Netherite scraps in a furnace or blast furnace, then craft Netherite ingots with gold, and upgrade gear at a smithing table.

* If you want precise drift or chunk-aligned mining, Java edition players can use chunk borders to optimize debris spawns; Bedrock edition has similar concepts with slight mechanics differences.

• Quick path to Netherite ingots:
  • 4 ancient debris -> smelt into Netherite scraps
  • 4 Netherite scraps + 4 gold ingots -> Netherite ingots
  • Use a smithing table to upgrade diamond gear to Netherite gear.

If you’d like, I can tailor a mining plan (strip mine radius, tunnel spacing, and lava-safe protocols) for your edition (Java or Bedrock) and your preferred mining method (strip mining vs. branch mining vs. TNT/beds).