A method of hoisting in shallow lead-zinc mines in areas of the United States. Instead of the conventional engine house, operation is controlled at the top of the shaft. The onsetter below hooks the can on, then signals by a lamp attached to the wrist of the hoister sitting above. The can is hoisted, swinging free. At the surface a tail rope is snapped to the underside, a deflection plate is swung into place, and the can is lowered. It capsizes and discharges its load to the surge bin. The empty can is then again hoisted, freed of its tail rope, and wound down the shaft, where it is replaced by a full can.