Operation of inhaul rubber steel cables in vertical mine hoisting is discussed. The research in the field of mine hoisting is reviewed, and the further R&D directions are identified. Some studies concern life extension of hoisting ropes. One of the promising trends seems to be application of belt pullers as inhaul cables, which can essentially enhance mine hoist efficiency. In the meanwhile, capabilities of rubber steel cables suffer from deficient attention. The performance capabilities of rubber steel cables of top manufacturers (Promkanat and SAG) are compared, and application ranges in vertical mine hoisting are determined for such cables. It is found that the Polish manufacturer’s rubber steel cables offer a wider range of application. The analysis shows that rubber steel cables can be used as inhaul cables of vertical mine hoisters. Rubber steel cables possess suitable characteristics and are capable to elevate considerable loads to various hoisting heights. In particular, the existing rubber steel cables ensure carrying capacity of hoists up to 20-25 t at the hoisting heights to 400-500 m and sometimes can elevate skips with tonnage of 10 t to a height up to 1000 m and more. The further feasibility study of operation of inhaul steel rubber cables in hoisting units should address motion stability of a puller on a driving drum, load distribution in ropes of base of rubber steel cables, validation of hoister design, adjustability of rubber steel cable length during its operation, etc.
