According to embodiments described in the specification, an exemplary method is disclosed for hydraulically hoisting potash (or other evaporite ore) fines material from an underground mine. The method includes mining an ore deposit using a boring machine to generate Run-of-Mine (ROM) material at a mine face, conveying the generated ROM material to an underground ore screening plant, screening the ROM material relative to a threshold size wherein the threshold size is a feed size of one or more flotation cells at a surface processing plant, mixing fines material, comprising ROM material that is below the threshold size, with a saturated brine to create a slurry mixture wherein the saturated brine prevents the fines material from dissolving into the slurry mixture, and pumping the slurry mixture to a surface location via one of a shaft and a borehole to the surface product separation plant.

According to embodiments described in the specification, an exemplary method is disclosed for hydraulically hoisting potash (or other evaporite ore) fines material from an underground mine. The method includes mining an ore deposit using a boring machine to generate Run-of-Mine (ROM) material at a mine face, conveying the generated ROM material to an underground ore screening plant, screening the ROM material relative to a threshold size wherein the threshold size is a feed size of one or more flotation cells at a surface processing plant, mixing fines material, comprising ROM material that is below the threshold size, with a saturated brine to create a slurry mixture wherein the saturated brine prevents the fines material from dissolving into the slurry mixture, and pumping the slurry mixture to a surface location via one of a shaft and a borehole to the surface product separation plant.

Disclosed herein is a system for controlling a mining machine within an underground mine. A rotatable laser source sends laser light and return light sensor receives reflected laser light and provides an indication of distance and return light intensity at multiple different rotation angles. A co-ordinate reference point comprises a pattern of varying reflectivity and provides at least a 2D co-ordinate position. A processor determines an absolute co-ordinate position in space of the mining machine as the mining machine moves through the underground mine. The processor collects intensity values of reflected laser light for multiple respective rotation angles and detects the pattern of the reference point in the multiple intensity values of reflected laser light, and determines the absolute co-ordinate position in space of the mining machine based on spatial information of the detected pattern.

An inclined shaft continuous feeding system for solid backfilling materials includes a surface loading system, an inclined shaft transportation system, and a downhole unloading system. The inclined shaft transportation system is arranged between the surface loading system and the underground unloading system. The inclined shaft transportation system includes a bottom unloading dumper, support guide wheels, a guide rail, a drive wheel, a reverse wheel, and a traction steel wire rope configured between the drive wheel and the reverse wheel. The present invention can realize a steady, continuous and efficient transportation of the solid backfilling materials from the surface to down hole. Moreover, the material transportation system does not wear easily, has long service life and low material transportation cost.

Disclosed is a hydraulic hoisting system for moving material from an underground position to a surface level. In most cases, the system will be used to move fragmented rock or ore generated during the normal operation of a mine to a position on or near the surface of the Earth so that the rock or ore can be further processed. The system is a conduit loop for continuous flow of circulating fluid from near or at the surface to underground; a slurry preparation unit for mixing the material with a portion of the fluid to form a slurry; and an injection unit for injecting the slurry into the conduit.

Disclosed is a hydraulic hoisting system for moving material from an underground position to a surface level. In most cases, the system will be used to move fragmented rock or ore generated during the normal operation of a mine to a position on or near the surface of the Earth so that the rock or ore can be further processed. The system is a conduit loop for continuous flow of circulating fluid from near or at the surface to underground; a slurry preparation unit for mixing the material with a portion of the fluid to form a slurry; and an injection unit for injecting the slurry into the conduit.

In one aspect, a track structure usable by a wheeled vehicle for hauling a payload up an inclined enclosed passageway comprises a hollow rigid center rail member configured to act as both a center rail for the wheeled vehicle and as a ventilation duct. Opposite lateral faces of the hollow center rail member have respective wheel contact surfaces grippable by an opposed pair of inwardly-biased drive wheels of the wheeled vehicle. Rail support structure depends from the hollow center rail member. An elevated pair of rails is attached to the rail support structure, the rails being on opposite sides of and substantially parallel to the hollow center rail member. Each rail is supported by the rail support structure so as to provide an upper, lower, and lateral surface suitable for rolling engagement by a weight-bearing wheel, undermount wheel, and guide wheel, respectively, of the wheeled vehicle.

A charge controller for an electric mining vehicle is configured to determine an amount of charge to be provided to a battery of the electric mining vehicle for an upcoming trip based on regenerative braking power generation and load indication measured during a previous trip. The charge controller is further configured to command a battery charger to charge the battery up to the determined amount of charge and to stop charging the battery once the determined amount of charge has been reached.

A charge controller for an electric mining vehicle is configured to determine an amount of charge to be provided to a battery of the electric mining vehicle for an upcoming trip based on regenerative braking power generation and load indication measured during a previous trip. The charge controller is further configured to command a battery charger to charge the battery up to the determined amount of charge and to stop charging the battery once the determined amount of charge has been reached.

A guidance system and method for guiding excavation at an excavation site utilizes an excavating machine and an in-pit crusher and conveyer (IPCC) having a first hopper and a second hopper for receiving material. The guidance system can receive first hopper data associated with the first hopper and second hopper data associated with the second hopper and can process the first hopper data and second hopper data to determine a selected hopper for dispensing material. In an aspect, the guidance system can generate a guidance indication to display to the operator of the excavating machine that indicates the selected hopper.