Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for constructing a penstock. A path of the penstock to be dug along a central axis of a hydro-electric site within a rock mass is planned. A lower shaft is excavated, the lower shaft intersecting the path of the penstock. A starting station extending from the lower shaft and from a bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. The penstock is excavated. An arrival station is excavated and is overhanging above a top of the penstock. An expansion chamber broadening a width of the penstock and broadening a width of the lower shaft near the bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. A hydro-electric site comprising the penstock is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mining site comprising an extraction shaft passing through an ore body. Also included in the mining site are a lower shaft intersecting a path of the extraction shaft, a starting station extending from the lower shaft and from a bottom of the path of the extraction shaft, an arrival station overhanging above a top of the extraction shaft, and a upper shaft extending from the arrival station. In a particular aspect, the extraction shaft can be dug at a shallow angle between 10 and 45 degrees from horizontal. A shallow angle mining method for constructing the mining site is also provided. The present disclosure additionally introduces a hydro-electric site having a penstock dug at a shallow angle, and a method of digging a penstock.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an overhead rail system having a pair of parallel rails, mountable to an overhead structure, and a rack line fixedly mounted underneath each rail. A pair of chariots is mounted on the pair of parallel rails. Each chariot has upper and lower bearings rollably connecting the chariot to a respective one of the pair of parallel rails. The bearings allow longitudinal movement of the chariot along a length of the parallel rails while limiting movement of the chariot in other directions. Each chariot has a pinion configured to engage respective rack lines. A drive system is operatively connected to the pinion of at least one of the chariots.