Pickaxes can be improved at a grindstone with an iron ingot. However, it is not affected by any Smithing perks. The first option is faster than going through the mining animation. It can either be equipped as a weapon and swung at the ore vein to extract the ore, or the ore can be mined automatically by activating the vein with a pickaxe in the inventory.

A pickaxe can be found next to the stone quarry at Lakeview Manor, but only if the land has been developed.

A pickaxe can be found sticking out of an iron deposit behind the house at Half-Moon Mill.

Several pickaxes can be found in Bilegulch Mine: one can be found on the pathway straight ahead, and a few more can be found on a table.

Another pickaxe can be found in the Abandoned House in Markarth near the bottom of the house.

A pickaxe can be found in Welyin's room which is located in The Warrens.

A pickaxe can be found on the table upon entering the Bthardamz Upper District in Bthardamz.

Several pickaxes can be found in Cidhna Mine.

After passing the Guardian Stones, there will be a dirt path with wooden steps leading up to the mine.

A pickaxe may be found at Embershard Mine.

They can also be found in caves and ruins where excavations are taking place, and in/near mines.

Pickaxes can be bought from blacksmiths.

Skyrim se faster mining