Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transporting particulate materials from a lower level to a higher level are disclosed, the method comprising: establishing a flow loop comprising a closeable chamber for receiving batches of the particulate materials, a first flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a delivery level, a second flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a header tank located at a higher level than said delivery level, and valve means at the chamber for selectively isolating the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; filling the flow loop with a pseudoplastic flotation fluid; operating the valve means to isolate the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; introducing a charge of the particulate materials into the chamber and then closing the chamber; operating the valve means to connect the first and second flow conduits to the chamber; and maintaining a supply of fluid in the header tank such that fluid and entrained particulate materials flow from the c