minecart

A minecart is a rail vehicle used to transport ore, rock, and sometimes workers within mines and along industrial tramways. Typically made of steel or iron, it is a boxlike or cylindrical wagon that runs on wheels fixed to a track. Carts may be pulled by locomotives, hauled by cables, or moved by gravity on downhill sections.

Minecarts run on mine rails at various gauges. They are designed for durability and simple operation in confined spaces. In many systems, carts form trains that can be coupled and uncoupled; braking devices, couplers, and load limits help manage safety and efficiency. Gravity is often used to return empty cars to the top of a shaft or lift.

Historically, mine railways evolved from wooden tracks reinforced with iron to steel rails during the 19th century, enabling larger, heavier carts and longer train runs. Variants include ore carts (open-topped), tub carts, and passenger minecarts used on tour routes or worker transport.

Today, mines may employ motorized locomotives and automated haulage systems to move minecarts, with emphasis on track maintenance, electrical safety, and load monitoring. The term also appears in popular culture and video games, notably in Minecraft, where players use rail-based minecarts to move around and transport items in virtual environments.