Abstract: A conveyor for use in hydraulic mining operations to convey a slurry of water and heavy mined aggregate under conditions where the grade is insufficient to effectively accommodate gravity flow. The conveyor comprises a flume trough having a generally flat lower surface and a continuous belt conveyor having a lower reach disposed within the trough in engagement with the lower surface thereof. In use, the slurry is introduced into the trough and the belt conveyor is driven to move the lower reach in the direction that it is desired to move the slurry. Heavy aggregate within the slurry settles out onto the lower reach of the belt conveyor and is conveyed thereby. Water and suspended aggregate is moved within the flume under the influence of gravity, if any, and the influence of the moving lower reach of the belt conveyor and the moving heavy aggregate carried thereby.

Abstract: An hydraulic mining apparatus and method wherein the mined aggregate is separated into dry, relatively large aggregate pieces for dry conveyance and wet, relatively small aggregate pieces for wet conveyance. In the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus provides for reducing any oversized large aggregate pieces in size so that the large pieces do not exceed a predetermined maximum size. Size reduction is provided by a mechanical breaker and wet, relatively small aggregate is separated out of the mined product prior to the breaking step. The apparatus is embodied in a feeder-breaker mechanism wherein a conveyor running lengthwise of the mechanism first subjects the total mined product to size separation or classification, then directs the larger aggregate pieces through the breaker and, finally, discharges the breaker treated pieces to a dry conveyor. The separated wet, relatively small aggregate pieces are collected within the mechanism and pumped away.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulic mining wherein the mined product is reduced to a pumpable form. The apparatus includes a jet monitor for dislodging the mined product from its in situ state, a feeder-breaker for receiving the mined product, preliminarily separating the pumpable constituent of the product and then subjecting the remaining product to successive breaking and separating steps until the entire product is in a pumpable state. The feeder-breaker is also provided with a sump to collect the pumpable product and pump means to convey the product from the sump under pressure, whereby transport of the product is not dependent on gravity. In the preferred embodiment, the feeder-breaker is provided with a secondary jet monitor to reduce oversized constituents of the mined product to a size suited for the successive separating and breaking steps.