Salmo River Valley Historical Mining Exhibit

AERIAL TRAMWAY

Reno Mine, 1930. Aerial Wire Rope Tramway, 100 tram buckets - three miles long.
A. Leschen & Sons Rope Co.

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In rugged and mountainous terrain, the transportation of ore and materials presented challenges. This is where the aerial tramway and bull wheels were necessary. The bull wheel gravity driven system was an essential feature for mines operating across canyons, mountains, and other obstacles where conventional transport was impossible. 
The loading terminal, usually located at a high mine shaft, would use gravity and large brakes to assist and control the tramway's operation, with full buckets moving downhill and aiding in the return of empty buckets. The unloading terminal, situated at a lower elevation near a mill or railhead, would then process the ore. While gravity did the heavy lifting, attendants were needed at the terminals to guide the buckets and ensure proper loading and unloading. The bull wheel's construction and design ensured smooth operation, even over long distances and challenging terrain.