The conventional double drum hoist underwent a major development in 1957 when Robert Blair introduced the concept of combining the load carrying capacity of multiple ropes in the friction hoist system with the simplicity and flexibility of drum hoists. Each drum of a BMR hoist is divided into two (or more) compartments with a single rope per compartment - each rope on the drum being attached to the same conveyance. Systems are incorporated to ensure load sharing and protection against miscoiling.
The BMR system significantly increases the hoisting capacity of a drum hoist. Hoists with end loads of 32 tonnes at depths of 2500 m are common. The Moab Khotsong BMR winder, supplied by FLSmidth Minerals to Anglogold Vaal River Operations, is currently the only hoist to operate to a depth of 3150 m in a single wind with an end-load of 23 to.