Falconbridge Nickel Mines Limited

Arnold Roy Pasieka

John Corner Wilson

George Alexander Moruzi

A method and apparatus for hydraulically hoisting particulate solid mined minerals from one mine level to another in which bore holes are used as conveying conduits for the mineral-water mixtures. Batches of the mineral are charged into a pressure vessel at a lower level and discharged intermittently into a borehole conduit system in which water is circulated, under pressure, between the two mine levels. The mineral is separated from the conveying water at a higher level by a conventional dewatering apparatus and the water is returned to the vessel for mixing with a new batch of mineral. The method is conducted cyclically with mineral batches being charged to and then discharged from the vessel at controlled intervals, the control being achieved by valve means which alternately isolate and integrate the vessel with the water circuit. The pressure vessel is further characterized by a discharge port in a sidewall of the vessel connected to a discharge pipe outside the vessel. The other end of the discharge pipe is connected to the hoist borehole.

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Don Mills, Canada

Arnold Roy Pasieka