A method of mining in which tunnels or drifts are extended at regular intervals from the floor of the pit into the orebody. The extension of the drift beyond the working face is made great enough to facilitate the handling of several cars at a time. The ore is mined above the drift level, and the cars are loaded by lifting short boards that span an opening, through the lagging on and above the centerline of the drift. The method avoids the construction of raises and chutes and facilitates the filling of the cars.