Abstract: A preferred mineral jig apparatus includes a jig tank having a laterally oriented piston and cylinder assembly mounted therewithin. The piston and cylinder assembly defines two compartments, with reciprocating motion of the piston causing pulsating action of the water within the two respective compartments. The piston and cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a piston assembly and a piston rod connected to the piston assembly. The piston rod includes an internal channel to convey make-up water to the tank from an external water source. The piston rod is supported for lateral reciprocating motion by at least two downwardly hanging leaf springs. The piston assembly comprises a pair of separated piston plates oriented transversely relative to the cylinder. The separated piston plates defining a space therebetween as well as a separation distance between the piston plates. The piston rod is connected to one of the piston plates.

Abstract: A floating dredge and hydraulic dredging apparatus for mining underwater mineral bearing deposits is disclosed. The dredge includes an overburden excavator and an ore excavator mounted to a pontoon for removing overburden and ore material, respectively. Processors on the pontoon receive material from the excavators. Dredging control components coordinate the operation of the ore and overburden excavators to efficiently remove and mine the desired material.