A system and method for vertical mining of a resource

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of borehole mining and more particularly, it relates to a system and method for vertical mining of a resource. The present invention discloses a system for vertical mining of a resource, comprising a feeder device comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a body including a plurality of connector portions connected between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion are coaxially disposed along a central axis of the feeder device, a central conduit in fluid communication with the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion, wherein the central conduit is configured to allow a first fluid passing therethrough to flow towards a bottom end of the bottom portion, a plurality of peripheral conduits arranged coaxially around the central conduit and configured to allow a second fluid passing therethrough to flow toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device via a lateral side of the feeder device. The system also includes a first manifold device in fluid communication with the feeder device comprising a supply chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of ports and one or more main conduit members, wherein each of the plurality of ports is in fluid communication with the each of the plurality of peripheral conduits for supplying the second fluid, a flow controller member disposed in each of the plurality of ports, and a controller operable to control the flow controller member such that it selectively controls the flow of the second fluid through one or more plurality of peripheral conduits while stopping the flow of the second fluid through the rest of the plurality of peripheral conduits.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERTICAL MINING OF A RESOURCETechnical Field[0001| The present disclosure generally relates to the field of borehole mining and more particularly, it relates to a system and method for vertical mining of a resource.Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] A multitude of mining projects globally have either exhausted their economic mining life or remain uninitiated due to prohibitive economics or operational or technical inaccessibility. The use of dredgers and large machinery for open-pit mining operations and its adverse environmental impact to the local habitat and landscape is known.

[0004] Underground borehole mining significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional open pit mining. The use of highly adaptable equipment, which can be deployed on commercially available pontoons and drilling rigs, enhances accessibility to various operations, including those based on horizontal surfaces, high slopes, and marine environments. The process employs small-scale equipment to minimize site impact and lower the risk of groundwater and surface contamination through cased isolation of the mining system and effective groundwater protection.

[0005] A key advantage of borehole mining is the ability to selectively mine high-grade resources. This method allows for the extraction of the highest-grade sections of the resources, leaving the overburden and lower grade resources intact. In contrast, conventional mining methods often involve removing or working around overburden to access the desired resource, which can be costly and dilute the proj ecf s economic viability. Hydraulic borehole mining involves drilling a small borehole into the resource body, enabling efficient and economical extraction and transportation of the target mineral to the surface.

[0006] While borehole mining has several advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. For example, it is difficult to accurately create underground cavities with existing boreholes that target a specific resource body. Drilling efficiency can be low, potentially affecting the overall productivity and yield of the operation. High costs associated with low drilling efficiency can impact the economic viability of the operation. There are also common issues such as pipe sticking, lost circulation, hole deviation, pipe failures, borehole instability, mud contamination, formation damage, hole cleaning issues, and problems related to equipment and personnel can occur.

[0007] The present invention offers a fresh opportunity to revive previously mined resource areas, stimulate job creation through economic resource development, and enhance both private industry and government-owned resource bases. Moreover, this invention opens up a new frontier of mining potential in environmentally sensitive areas currently off-limits due to the destructive nature of surface mining or the risk of exposure to undesirable mining conditions. It also opens up other uses in marine construction and engineering applications such as salvaging, pipe-laying and piling operations. The invention’s mobility and accessibility enable resource owners to target smaller reserveswith greater precision in mining, thereby increasing established resources and reducing capital and regional impact.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned problems and to provide for an improved approach for addressing the foregoing challenges.Summary of the Invention

[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a system for vertical mining of a resource, comprising a feeder device comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a body including a plurality of connector portions connected between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion are coaxially disposed along a central axis of the feeder device. The feeder device also includes a central conduit in fluid communication with the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion, wherein the central conduit is configured to allow a first fluid passing therethrough to flow towards a bottom end of the bottom portion, a plurality of peripheral conduits arranged coaxially around the central conduit, and configured to allow a second fluid passing therethrough to flow toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device via a lateral side of the feeder device. Additionally, the system also includes a first manifold device in fluid communication with the feeder device comprising a supply chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of ports and one or more main conduit members, wherein each of the plurality of ports is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of peripheral conduits for supplying the second fluid, a flow controller member disposed in each of the plurality of ports, a controller operable to control the flow controller member such that it selectively controls the flow of the second fluid through one or more of the plurality of peripheral conduitswhile stopping the flow of the second fluid through the rest of the plurality of peripheral conduits.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the plurality of peripheral conduits is disposed around the periphery of the central conduit, wherein each peripheral conduit extends longitudinally along the periphery of the central conduit to an outlet disposed at the bottom portion.

[0011] According to various embodiments, each peripheral conduit is disposed substantially equidistant from one another around the periphery of the central conduit.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the system wherein the outlet is disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the controller is configured to control the timing and distribution of the second fluid via each flow controller member flowing in each peripheral conduit.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the outlet of each peripheral conduit is disposed in a different radial direction.

[0015] According to various embodiments, a penetrator is fastened to a bottom end of the bottom portion of the feeder device, wherein the penetrator including a plurality of longitudinal members inclined at an angle to the central axis of the feeder device such that they converge to a tip.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the penetrator includes a plurality of recesses formed between the longitudinal members.

[0017] According to various embodiments, each longitudinal member is disposed equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom portion

[0018] According to various embodiments, the first fluid is high pressure water.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the second fluid is low pressure water.100201 According to various embodiments, the flow controller member is a pressure activated valve.

[0021] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a method for vertical mining of a resource, comprising providing a feeder device comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a body including a plurality of connector portions connected between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion are coaxially disposed along a central axis of the feeder device, a central conduit in fluid communication with the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion, wherein the central conduit is configured to allow a first fluid passing therethrough to flow towards a bottom end of the bottom portion, a plurality of peripheral conduits arranged coaxially around the central conduit, and configured to allow a second fluid passing therethrough to flow toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device via a lateral side of the feeder device. The method additional includes providing a first manifold device in fluid communication with the feeder device, comprising a supply chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of ports and one or more main conduit members, wherein each of the plurality of ports is in fluid communication with the each of the plurality of peripheral conduits for supplying the second fluid, a flow controller member disposed in each of the plurality of ports, a controller operable to control the flow controller member so as to selectively control the flow of the second fluid through the one or more of the plurality of peripheral conduits while stopping the flow of the second fluid through the rest of the plurality of peripheral conduits.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the plurality of peripheral conduits is disposed around the periphery of the central conduit, wherein each peripheral conduit extends longitudinally along the periphery of the central conduit to an outlet disposed at the bottom portion.

[0023] According to various embodiments, each peripheral conduit is disposed substantially equidistant from one another around the periphery of the central conduit.

[0024] According to various embodiments, each peripheral conduit has an outlet disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the controller is configured to control the timing and distribution of the second fluid via each flow controller member flowing in each peripheral conduit.

[0026] According to various embodiments, wherein the outlet is disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the outlet of each peripheral conduit is disposed in a different radial direction.

[0028] According to various embodiments, a penetrator fastened to a bottom end of the bottom portion of the feeder device, the penetrator including a plurality of longitudinal members inclined at an angle to the central axis of the feeder device such that they converge to a tip.100291 According to various embodiments, the penetrator includes a plurality of recesses formed between the longitudinal members.

[0030] According to various embodiments, each longitudinal member is disposed equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom portion

[0031] According to various embodiments, the first fluid is high pressure water.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the second fluid is low pressure water.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the flow controller member is a pressure activated valve.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The dimensions of the various features or elements may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention will be better understood withreference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the non-limiting examples and the accompany drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure la illustrates a side view of an extractor device with a partial sectional view according to various embodiments;

[0036] Figure lb illustrates a top view of an extractor device according to various embodiments;

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an extractor device with a partial sectional view according to various embodiments;

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a feeder device with a partial sectional view according to various embodiments;[ 00391 Figure 4a illustrates a side view of a feeder device according to various embodiments;

[0040] Figure 4b illustrates a top view of a feeder device according to another various embodiments;

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first manifold device according to various embodiments;

[0042] Figure 6a illustrates a plan view of the first manifold device according to various embodiments;

[0043] F igure 6b illustrates a side view of the first manifold device according to various embodiments;

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second manifold device according to various embodiments;

[0045] Figure 8a illustrates a plan view of the second manifold device according to various embodiments; and100461 Figure 8b illustrates a side view of the second manifold device according to various embodiments.Detailed Description

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiment, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended description. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

[0049] In the specification, the term “engage” and its variants including “engagement”, “engages”, “engaging” and “engaged” as used herein are to be interpreted to include engagement by touching, rubbing or abutting including engagement in one or more of an axial, radial, tangential and circumferential direction, and includes engagement through an intermediary such as a component positioned or sandwiched between the e.g. counter face and head of the blind-sided fastener.

[0050] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0051] Certain terminology used in the description is for convenience in reference only and shall not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the disclosed subject matter as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. The terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning. Like references numbers denote like features, components, or elements throughout the various embodiments.[ 00521 In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and / or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a, ”an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”[ 00531 Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly beapplicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0054] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0055] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] To achieve the stated features, advantages and objects, the present invention is directed to a feeder system for subterranean mining and marine construction or a system for vertical mining of resources.

[0057] While the present invention is typically used in mining of resources, it is envisaged that it can be extended to other applications such as marine construction and engineering which involves the construction, installation, maintenance of structures and facilities in a marine environment. For example, underwater salvaging involves the recovery of wreckage, cargo, and other items from water bodies, and is a complex operation that requires specialized equipment and techniques In another example, pipe laying is commonly used in the oil and gas industry for transportation of hydrocarbons from offshore drilling sites to onshore processing facilities, and techniques used can include open trenching and directional drilling.

[0058] The subterranean borehole mining process significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional open pit mining operations. The use of highly mobileequipment, which can be deployed on rigs or pontoons available in the market, enhances accessibility to operations based on horizontal surfaces, high slopes, and marine environments. The small-scale equipment involved in the process lessens the impact on the site and reduces the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water by isolating the mining system within a casing and effectively protecting the groundwater. The process minimizes, if not entirely eliminates, the leaching of resources like uranium or contaminated fluids or acids produced through oil sands or heavy minerals mining. A distinctive feature of the disclosed system is its ability to operate in a fully submerged state.

[0059] In the United States and other countries worldwide, there is a large number of projects that have either exhausted their known economic mining lifespan or cannot be put into production due to unfeasible economics or operational or technical inaccessibility. There are various types of resource bodies that are currently unminable because they have reached their economic limit due to high dewatering costs, or high water tables or excessively steep ramps. The present invention, with its modernization of new, conceptual, and proven hydraulic engineering components, opens up new opportunities to revive previously mined resource areas, generate new jobs through economic resource creation, and enhance both private industry and government-owned resource bases. Moreover, this invention paves the way for a new era of mining potential in environmentally sensitive areas currently inaccessible due to destructive surface mining or the risk of exposure to undesirable mining conditions The present invention provides the advantage of mobility and accessibility that enable resource owners to target smaller reserves with greater precision in mining, thereby increasing established resources and reducing capital and regional impact.100601 The present invention allows unique access to fields that have significant quantities of minerals not currently economically recoverable with known technology. It allows resource owners to drill deep into the ground and selectively target high-grade oresand minerals up to depths that were previously unattainable with conventional mining under certain conditions. Offshore granular resources, such as tin mining, can be improved with this invention where conventional dredges cannot reach the resource due to deep overburden. The technical accessibility provided by this invention has a highly desirable impact on mining potential with minimal disturbance.

[0061] Tn the operational context of subterranean or vertical mining of resources, it is typical that an extractor device is positioned such that its axis is orthogonal or nearly orthogonal, within operational limits, to the sea surface. To guide and facilitate the extractor device towards a specific depth like the sea floor, high-pressure water directed from a controller controlling a manifold system enters an inlet pipe of the extractor device at ground level and exits through one of the various outlet pipes of the extractor device at the other end. The extractor device descends due to the high-pressure water and, upon reaching the specified depth, for example, between 100 meters and 250 meters below sea level, receives low-pressure water and air via other inlet pipes of the extractor device The extractor device may ascend a predetermined distance after reaching the specified depth, creating a gap between the extractor device and the sea floor for formation of a cavity for mining the resource. The sea floor, in the context of an example tin-mining operation, may be the upper surface of the granite layer, and the layer above the granite layer is the tin- contaming layer which lies below the clay layer. In this case, the layers above the clay are not affected when the high pressure water and low pressure water are discharged from the extractor device.

[0062] After the extractor device reaches the specified depth, the controller stops supplying high-pressure water to the extractor device and begins supplying low-pressure water to the inlet pipe that exits the extractor device through various outlet pipes that are directed in an outward direction laterally to the extractor device. As a result, the low- pressure water flows towards a predetermined area outside of the extractor device in anoutward direction via a lateral side of the extractor device This direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction of the extractor device.

[0063] At the same time and as directed by the controller, one or more feeder devices located around the extractor device discharges low pressure water towards the extractor device to liquefy at least one-mineral containing layer to create a slurry. The created slurry is subsequently directed toward the extractor device to facilitate mining of the resource from the mineral containing layer. The low pressure water and air discharged from the extractor contributes to creating a spinning tornado effect within the extractor device which then directs the created slurry toward the sea surface and sent to a processing plant for extraction of the resource.

[0064] The present invention intends to provide the following advantages and to address some of the afore-mentioned problems and challenges associated with vertical mining of resources:• To provide a more efficient descent and delivery of the extractor device to the determined depth,• To allow formation of a larger cavity allowing for increased productivity and yield of a resource thereby improving operational efficiency;• To allow formation of cavities for mining resources that are closer apart thereby improving the productivity and yield of resources within a predetermined area:• To allow creation of cavities of any desired size, configuration and shape;• To allow the targeting of smaller reserves with greater precision reducing capital and environmental impact.[ 00651 Figure la illustrates a side view of an extractor device 100 with a partial sectional view according to various embodiments. Figure lb illustrates a top view of an extractor device 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 2 illustrates a perspectiveview of an extractor device 100 with a partial sectional view according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the extractor device 100 comprises an upper end portion 120, a plurality of connector portions 130, a lower end portion 140 and a penetrator 150. The upper end portion 120, the plurality of connector portions 130, the lower end portion 140 and the penetrator 150 are coaxially disposed along the same axis or along the central axis of the extractor device 100. The upper end portion 120 is detachably attached to the plurality of connector portions 130 at its lower end by fasteners such as screws, rivets, interference fits, or other known fasteners, and similarly, the lower end portion 140 is detachably attached to the plurality of connector portions 130 at its upper end by fasteners such as screws, rivets, interference fits, or other known fasteners. An outlet pipe 110 is in fluid communication with an upper end of the upper end portion 120 and is detachably attached via fasteners such as those previously mentioned. In various embodiments, the outlet pipe 110 is also in fluid communication with a central passageway 180 that is coaxially disposed with the lower end portion 140, upper end portion 120 and the plurality of connector portions 130. The central passageway 180 extends to a bottom end of the lower end portion 140 and provides an inlet for the slurry to pass through the central passageway 180 and to be brought back to the sea surface via the outlet pipe 110 for transport to the processing plant for further processing of the resource. As shown in Figure lb, the outlet pipe 110 is detachably attached to the upper end of the upper end portion 120 via fasteners such as those previously mentioned. In some embodiments, a flange is provided at the top end of the upper end portion 120 to facilitate a corresponding flange located at a bottom end of the outlet pipe 110. The two flanges are connected to each other via fasteners.

[0066] In various embodiments, the upper end portion 120 includes a first pipe 121, a second pipe 122 and a third pipe 123 which are disposed around the periphery of the central passageway 180. Each of the first pipe 121, the second pipe 122 and the third pipe 123 include an inlet disposed at the upper end portion 120 which extends through the peripheryof the central passageway 180 to an outlet disposed at the lower end portion 140. The inlet of each pipe extends via the lateral side of the upper end portion 120. Each of the first pipe 121, the second pipe 122 and the third pipe 123 serves the function of providing a specific fluid from the inlet to the outlet at the lower end portion 140. In some embodiments, the first pipe, the second pipe and the third pipe are located on one side of the periphery of the central passageway at the upper end portion 120, and a fourth pipe, fifth pipe and a sixth pipe (not shown) are located on the opposed side of the periphery of the central passageway at the upper end portion 120. The fourth pipe, fifth pipe and the sixth pipe correspond to the first pipe, second pipe and the third pipe respectively and carry the corresponding specific fluid. For example, but not limited to, the fourth pipe will carry the same fluid as the first pipe, the fifth pipe will carry the same fluid as the second pipe and the sixth pipe will carry the same fluid as the third pipe.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the inlets of all the pipes 121 , 122, 123 are connected to a manifold system (e.g. one or more manifold devices and / or a compressor device) that provides the specific fluid to the inlets, which in turn is controlled by a controller that manages the timing and distribution of the specific fluid when desired. In some embodiments, and details of which will be explained later, the manifold system comprises one or more pumps, compressors, valves and sensors that are connected to a controller that determines the specific fluid to be dispensed. The number of pipes can range from at least three pipes to more depending on the mining context and operations

[0068] According to various embodiments, the first pipe 121 is configured to pass therethrough air supplied from a manifold device or a compressor device (not shown) from the inlet of the first pipe 121 towards an air chamber 141 at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device 100. The second pipe 122 is configured to pass therethrough high pressure water supplied from a manifold device towards a high pressure water chamber 144 at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device, and the third pipe 123 is configuredto pass therethrough low pressure water towards a low pressure water chamber 143 supplied from another manifold device. For example, the low pressure water supplied from the manifold system may be, but not limited to, a pressure of 15 bar and at a flow rate of between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres per minute. Correspondingly, the fourth pipe, fifth pipe and the sixth pipe that correspond to the first pipe, second pipe and the third pipe respectively and directs the specific fluid to the respective chambers. A person skilled in the art would understand that low pressure water supplied from the manifold system may be at any pressure and at any flow rate as determined based on the mining context and operations, and in this context, the terms ‘low pressure’ and ‘high pressure’ are intended to be relative to each other.100691 According to various embodiments, the first pipe 121 (and corresponding fourth pipe) is configured to pass air supplied from the manifold device or system or a compressor device from the inlet of the first pipe 121 to the air chamber 141 located at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device 100. The air chamber 141 is arranged in fluid communication with the first pipe and the fourth pipe. The central passageway 180 includes a plurality of openings 145 formed around the circumference of the central passageway 180 at the lower end portion 140. Each of the plurality of openings 145 is configured to allow passage of air therethrough. Each of the plurality of openings 145 is arranged around the circumference of the central passageway and is configured to direct the air upwards towards the upper end of the extractor device Tn some embodiments, each opening 145 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the central passageway so as to cause the flow of air to be directed upwards towards the upper end portion. In some embodiments, each opening is inclined at an angle of, but not limited to, 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the central passageway 180. More particularly, the angle ranges from 30 to 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 145 may be arranged in a spiral like manner around an inner circumference of the central passageway 180, with each row of openings arranged in amanner so as to facilitate the generation of airflow along the central longitudinal axis. In operation, when air is required for example, to direct the created slurry toward the sea surface via the central passageway 180, the manifold device or system pumps air to the inlet of the first pipe 121 which brings it to the air chamber 141 at the lower end portion 140. The air fills the air chamber 141 and flows out from the air chamber 141 to the central passageway 180 through the plurality of openings 145. In order for the air to return to its natural state, this facilitates the creation of a spinning tornado which causes the air to flow in a spiral like manner upwards towards the outlet 110 of the extractor device 100. This tornado effect, together with the simultaneous discharge of low pressure water, causes the created slurry to be transported upwards to the outlet 110 and to the processing plant. In some embodiments, the fourth pipe (not shown) is located on the opposed side of the upper end portion and transports air to the air chamber located opposite the air chamber 141. In some embodiments, the first and fourth pipes includes valves, for example, non-return valves that blocks the air from being directed upwards through the aforesaid pipes.

[0070] According to various embodiments, in the event of obstruction surrounding the extractor device 100 which happens occasionally, the controller is capable of controlling the flow of air directed downwards through one or more supplementary pipes (not shown) to the area surrounding the exterior of the extractor device 100. In other words, air is directed downwards through the supplementary pipes and is pushed upwards along the length of the exterior of the extractor device. In this way, any obstruction surrounding the exterior of the extractor device will be unblocked or removed from the flow of air that pushes upwards towards the sea surface Each supplementary pipe is configured to pass air supplied from the manifold device or system or a compressor device from its inlet to its outlet located at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device 100.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the second pipe 122 (and correspondingly fifth pipe) is configured to pass high pressure water supplied from the manifold systemfrom the inlet of the second pipe 122 to the high pressure water chamber 144 located at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device. A plurality of water outlets 142 is arranged in fluid communication with the high pressure water chamber 144 which passes the high pressure water from the second pipe 122 to the plurality of water outlets 142. The second pipe 122 extends parallel along the periphery of the central passageway 180 through the plurality of connector portions 130. In some embodiments, the plurality of water outlets 142 is directed downwards towards the bottom end of the extractor device. Tn some embodiments, the plurality of water outlets 142 is directed laterally towards the side of the extractor device 100, and in some embodiments, the plurality of water outlets 142 is directed to both downwards and laterally of the extractor device 100. In operation, in order to direct the extractor device 100 toward a determined depth such as a sea floor, the controller directs high pressure water from the manifold system to flow into the second pipe 122 and into the high pressure water chamber 144. The high pressure water flows out from the extractor device 100 via the plurality of water outlets 142 formed at the lower end portion 140. The extractor device 100 is allowed to go down through the sea floor due to the high pressure water pushing away ground sediment allowing for the extractor device to facilitate its descent to the desired depth. As mentioned previously, a person skilled in the art would understand that high pressure water supplied from the manifold system may be at any pressure and at any flow rate as determined based on the mining context and operations, and in this context, the terms Tow pressure’ and ‘high pressure’ are intended to be relative to each other.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the third pipe 123 (and corresponding sixth pipe) is configured to pass low pressure water supplied from the manifold system from the inlet of the third pipe 123 to the low pressure water chamber 143 located at the lower end portion 140 of the extractor device. An outlet is arranged in fluid communication with the low pressure water chamber 143 and is disposed around the periphery of the low pressure water chamber 143 such that the outlet is directed laterally to the side of the extractor device100. As such, the low pressure water flows in a direction toward a predetermined area outside of the extractor device 100 in an outward direction via a lateral side of the extractor device 100. The direction may be substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the central passageway 180. In some embodiments, the low pressure water facilitates the cleaning of the pipes when the pipes are clogged or dirty.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the plurality of connector portions 130 connect the upper end portion 120 and the lower end portion 140 together to form the body of the extractor device 100. Each connector portion 130 includes a body having a central bore that corresponds to the central passageway 180 of the extractor device 100 when connected to the upper end portion 120, other connector portions 130 or the lower end portion 140. Each connector portion 130 includes an upper flange, a lower flange and a plurality of tubular members around the periphery of the central bore. The plurality of tubular members corresponds and are in fluid communication with the first pipe 121 , second pipe 122, third pipe 123, and so on, of the upper end portion 120 and may be integrally formed or connected to other tubular members via the upper flange and lower flange via fasteners. If one connector portion 130 is connected to another connector portion, the upper flange of one connector portion would be attached to the lower flange of another connector portion and vice versa. If the connector portion is connected to the upper end portion, the upper flange of the connector portion is connected to a lower flange of the upper end portion. Similarly, if the connector portion is connected to the lower end portion, the lower flange of the connector portion is connected to a flange of the lower end portion. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the use of flanges on tubular members, pipes and connectors for connecting said pipes and connector portions together are known in the art and would not be the subject of the invention.

[0074] According to various embodiments, a penetrator 150 is detachably fastened to a bottom end of the lower end portion 140. The penetrator 150 is disposed at the bottom ofthe lower end portion 140 in normal operation. The penetrator 150 includes a plurality of longitudinal members attached to the bottom of the lower end portion 140. The plurality of longitudinal members is inclined at an angle to the central axis of the extractor device 100 such that they converge to a tip. The angle is not fixed and can be but not limited to 30 degrees, is dependent on mining context and operations. In some embodiments, the tip corresponds or is aligned to the central axis of the extractor device 100. In some embodiments, the penetrator 150 is configured to be a conical shaped structure with a plurality of recesses formed by the plurality of longitudinal members. The number of longitudinal members used for the penetrator 150 is not fixed and is dependent on mining context and operations. For example, four longitudinal members spaced equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom of the lower end portion, each at approximately 90 degrees from one another, can be used. By having recesses between the longitudinal members, this allows the ground and sediment of the sea floor to pass through the recesses and facilitate the descent or ascent of the extractor device through the sea floor.

[0075] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a feeder device 300 according to various embodiments. Figures 4a and 4b are a side view and a plan view of the feeder device 300 shown in Figure 3. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the feeder device 300 comprises a top portion 320, a bottom portion 340, and a body including a plurality of connector portions 330 (similar to the connector portions 130 of the extractor device 100) connected therebetween the top portion 320 and the bottom portion 340. The bottom portion 340 of the feeder device 300 includes a penetrator 350, similar to the penetrator 150 used on the extractor device 100. The top portion 320, the plurality of connector portions 330, the bottom portion 140 and the penetrator 150 are coaxially disposed along the same axis or the central axis of the feeder device 300. The feeder device 300 is, but not limited to, tubular in nature and is shaped and dimensioned as a tube. The top portion 320 is detachably attached to the plurality of connector portions 330 at its lower end by fasteners such as screws, rivets, interference fits, or other known fasteners, and similarly, the bottom portion340 is detachably attached to the plurality of connectors 330 at its upper end by fasteners such as screws, rivets, interference fits, or other known fasteners.

[0076] The feeder device 300 includes a central conduit 310 that extends longitudinally through the feeder device 300. The central conduit 310 is in fluid communication with the top portion 320, the plurality of connector portions 330 and the bottom portion 340 such that the central conduit 310 is coaxially disposed substantially along the central axis of the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the central conduit 310 is shaped and dimensioned as a tube. The central conduit 310 serves the function of supplying high pressure water from an inlet of the central conduit 310 to an outlet at the bottom end of the feeder device 300 during the delivery and descent of the feeder device to a desired depth under the sea surface, to facilitate the ease of descent of the feeder device as it enters the sea floor. A central or a manifold device, details of which will be explained later, provides high pressure water to the central conduit 310.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the central conduit 310 is configured to pass high pressure water supplied from the manifold device or system to an inlet of the central conduit 310 to a high pressure water chamber 315 located at the lower end portion 340 of the feeder device 300. A plurality of jet outlets 311 is arranged in fluid communication with the high pressure water chamber 315 such that high pressure water in high pressure water chamber 315 is directed through the plurality ofjet outlets 31 1 . In some embodiments, the plurality of jet outlets 311 is directed downwards towards the bottom end of the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the plurality of jet outlets 311 is directed laterally towards the sides of the feeder device 300, and in some embodiments, the plurality ofjet outlets 142 is directed to both downwards and laterally of the feeder device 300. In operation, in order to direct the feeder device 300 toward a determined depth such as a sea floor, the controller directs high pressure water from the manifold device or system to flow into the central conduit 310 The high pressure water flows out from the highpressure water chamber 315 via the plurality of j et outlets 311 formed at the bottom of the lower end portion 340 and / or laterally of the feeder device 300. The feeder device 300 is allowed to go down through the sea floor due to the high pressure water pushing away ground sediment allowing for the feeder device to facilitate its descent to the desired depth. As mentioned previously, a person skilled in the art would understand that high pressure water supplied from the manifold device or system may be at any pressure and at any flow rate as determined based on the mining context and operations, and in this context, the terms Tow pressure’ and ‘high pressure’ are intended to be relative to each other.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the feeder device 300 includes a plurality of peripheral conduits 321 around the periphery of the central conduit 310 that extends longitudinally from the top portion 320 to the bottom portion 340. In some embodiments, at least three peripheral conduits 321 equidistant from one another around the periphery of the central conduit are present. For example, and as shown in Figure 3, four peripheral conduits 321 are disposed around the periphery of the central conduit 310. The peripheral conduits 321 are spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from one another. It is appreciated that the number of peripheral conduits disposed is configurable according to mining context and operation. For greater precision in directing the slurry to the extractor device and cavity formation, a higher number of peripheral conduits allow more precise targeting of the low pressure water in directing the slurry towards the extractor device. With reference to Figure 3, at least four peripheral conduits are disposed around the periphery of the central conduit 310. In various embodiments, one or more primary inlets 322 is disposed at the top portion 320 for supplying the four peripheral conduits 321 with the fluid. The one or more primary inlets 322 are disposed on the side of the top portion 320. Each peripheral conduit 321 extends longitudinally along and substantially parallel to the periphery of the central conduit 310 to the bottom portion 340. An outlet 324 ensures that the low pressure water can be directed through the outlet 324. Each peripheral conduit 321 is configured to supply a fluid, for example, low pressure water from a manifold device or a central manifoldsystem. In some embodiments, the number of outlets 324 may be different from the number of peripheral conduits 321. Each peripheral conduit 321 has a secondary inlet disposed at the top portion 320. In some embodiments, the secondary inlet is disposed within the interior of the upper portion and receives the fluid from the one or more primary inlets 322. The outlet 324 of the conduit 321 is disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device 300. Consequently, the fluid, for example, low pressure water, flows in a direction toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device in an outward direction via a lateral side of the feeder device 300. As a result, if there are four peripheral conduits in the feeder device 300, there may be, but not limited to, four outlets 324 (depending on mining context and operations) radially disposed at the bottom portion 340 dispensing low pressure water in different directions. In other words, by controlling the timing and distribution of low pressure water flowing in each of the peripheral conduits, it is possible to control the flow of low pressure water in a specific direction which allows for more precise targeting of the low pressure water towards the slurry direction The direction may be substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the central conduit 310. By having the outlets 324 of the conduits disposed in different radial directions, this allows the controller controlling the fluid flow from the central manifold system or the feeder device to selectively control the supply of fluid to each peripheral conduit for creation of subterranean cavities of different sizes and shapes or to facilitate the ease of formation of cavities. In other words, each peripheral conduit 321 is selectively configured to dispense fluid at different times depending on the objective and type of cavity to be formed.

[0079] The peripheral conduits 321 can be formed integrally with the top portion 320 and the bottom portion 340. The peripheral conduits 321 can be formed integrally with the connector portions 330 such that they are coaxially aligned and in fluid communication with the peripheral conduits 321 in the top portion and the bottom portion. According to various embodiments, the inlets 322 of the peripheral conduits 321 are connected to a first manifold device or to a central manifold system that provide the fluid to the inlets, whichin turn is controlled by a controller that manages the timing and selective distribution of the fluid when desired. In some embodiments, and details of which will be explained later, the central manifold system comprises one or more pumps, compressors, valves and sensors that are connected to a controller that determines the specific fluid to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the top portion 320 is detachably attached to the connector portions 330 via fasteners such as those previously mentioned. In some embodiments, a flange is provided at each end of the top portion 320 and each end of the connectors to facilitate the fastening of the top portion and the connector portions 330 together. The flanges are connected to each other via fasteners. In some embodiments, a flow controller member (not shown) disposed within each peripheral conduit 321 is operable to control the flow of fluid from the outlet. In some embodiments, a flow controller member can include, but not limited to, a pressure activated valve that is controlled by the controller. The flow controller member works cooperatively with the controller, manifold device and extractor device to control the flow of timing and distribution of fluid flow out of the outlet of each peripheral conduit. By selectively controlling the supply of fluid flowing out of the outlet, the controller can manage the timing and selective distribution of the fluid when desired to a specific peripheral conduit 321 to perform a desired task or operation, for example, directing the slurry to a specific direction for forming a cavity or towards the extractor device. In other words, when the flow controller member directs flow of fluid from one peripheral conduit 321, the other flow controller members stops the flow of fluid from the other peripheral conduits 321 .

[0080] According to various embodiments, a penetrator 350 is detachably fastened to a bottom end of the lower end portion 340, similar to the penetrator 150 attached to the extractor device 100. The penetrator 350 is disposed at the bottom of the lower end portion 340 in normal operation. The penetrator 350 includes a plurality of longitudinal members attached to the bottom of the lower end portion 340. The plurality of longitudinal members is inclined at an angle to the central axis of the feeder device 300 such that they convergeto a tip. The angle is not fixed and can be but not limited to 30 degrees, is dependent on mining context and operations. In some embodiments, the tip corresponds or is aligned to the central axis of the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the penetrator 350 is configured to be a conical shaped structure with a plurality of recesses formed by the longitudinal members. The number of longitudinal members used for the penetrator 350 is not fixed and is dependent on mining context and operations. For example, four longitudinal members spaced equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom of the lower end portion, each at approximately 90 degrees from one another, can be used. By having recesses between the longitudinal members, this allows the ground and sediment of the sea floor to pass through the recesses and facilitate the descent or ascent of the feeder device through the sea floor.

[0081] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first manifold device 200. Figures 6a and 6b are a plan view and a side view of the first manifold device respectively of Figure 5. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the first manifold device 200 includes a supply chamber 250 in fluid communication with a plurality of ports 210 and two main conduit members 220, 230. The first manifold device 200 includes one or more support members 240 for suitable placement of the first manifold device on a platform from which various fluid types can flow from the main conduit members 220, 230 to an extractor device 100 and a feeder device 300 via the plurality of ports 210. Each port 210 is configured to receive a conduit member (not shown) in fluid communication with an inlet of the feeder device 300 or the inlet of the extractor device 100. The first manifold device 200 can be a manifold device for supply of a single fluid to one or more devices, for example, the feeder device 300 and / or the extractor device 100. The first manifold device 200 is operable to selectively control the flow of fluid (eg. either one of low pressure water or high pressure water) of varying flow rates and velocities by a controller that is located on the manifold device or remotely operated on a physical dashboard. In one embodiment, the manifold device 200is operable by a pump that supplies low pressure water to the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300.

[0082] With reference to Figure 5, the first manifold device 200 can be connected to an extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. In one embodiment, each port 210 is connected via a conduit member to a pipe of the extractor device 100, for example, each port is connected to each pipe of the extractor device 100. Similarly, the remaining ports 210 is connected via conduit members to each pipe of the feeder device 300. The main conduit members 220, 230 supply a fluid, for example, low pressure water, to the plurality of ports 210 and to the pipes of the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the first manifold device 200 uses a combination of flow controller members (not shown) operable to control the flow of fluid into the plurality of ports, the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. In one embodiment, the fluid is low pressure water. The controller is in electrical communication with the flow controller members such that they can be controlled by the controller. In some embodiments, flow controller members can include, but not limited to, a motor and a fluid pump, venturi or jet pump, connectors, seals, and pressure activated valves, and can be, but not limited to, disposed on the inlet of the ports 210. By selectively controlling the supply of fluid via the plurality of ports 210, the controller can manage the timing and selective distribution of the fluid when desired to a specific port 210 to perform a specific task or operation, for example, placement of the extractor device to a certain depth, forming of cavities at the mineral layer, and performing extraction of the slurry for transport to the processing plant. In some embodiments, the manifold device 200 is connected to the main conduit members 220, 230, both of which supplies low pressure water to be delivered through one or more selected ports to the pipes of the extractor device and the feeder device. In other words, the controller is configured to selectively supply low pressure water to one or more ports 210 while stopping the flow of low pressure water to the remaining ports 210. This ensures that depending on the context of the task or operation, some ports 210 supplying the extractor device 100 or thefeeder device 300 are not supplied with low pressure water. However, in some embodiments, the controller can supply low pressure water to all of the ports 210 so that the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300 are simultaneously supplied with low pressure water. In some embodiments, the first manifold device 200 is powered by a jet mining pump (not shown) for delivery of the low pressure water.

[0083] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second manifold device 400 according to various embodiments. Figures 8a and 8b are a side view and a plan view of the second manifold device respectively of Figure 7. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the second manifold device 400, similar to the first manifold device 200 of Figure 5, includes a supply chamber 450 in fluid communication with a plurality of ports 410 and four main conduit members 420. The second manifold device 400 includes one or more support members 440 for suitable placement of the second manifold device on a platform from which a fluid can flow from the main conduit members 420 to a feeder device via the supply chamber 450 and the plurality of ports 410. Each port 410 is configured to receive a conduit member (not shown) in fluid communication with an inlet of the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the inlet is the primary inlet 322 of the feeder device 300 or the inlet of the third pipe 123 of the extractor device 100. Alternatively, the conduit member can be integrated with the second manifold device or with the inlet (eg. primary inlet 322) of the feeder device 300 or the inlet (eg. third pipe 123) of the extractor device 100. The second manifold device 400 can be a central manifold system or it may form part of a central manifold system where there may be more than one manifold device, for example, the first manifold device 200, that is located next to each other. The second manifold device 400 is operable to selectively control the flow of fluid (eg. high pressure water) of varying flow rates and velocities. For example, the high pressure water supplied from the second manifold device may be, but not limited to, a pressure of 250 bar and at a flow rate of between 400 litres and 2000 litres per minute. A person skilled in the art would understand that high pressure water supplied from thesecond manifold device 400 may be at any pressure and at any flow rate as determined based on the mining context and operations, and in this context, the terms Tow pressure’ and ‘high pressure’ are intended to be relative to each other.100841 According to various embodiments, the second manifold device 400 can be connected to the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. Each port 410 is connected via a conduit member to the primary inlet 322 of the feeder device 300 and to one or more pipes (eg. third pipe 123 and sixth pipe) of the extractor device 100, for example, each port 410 is connected to a conduit member which in turn is connected to the primary inlet 322 of the feeder device 300. The main conduit members 420 supply a fluid to the plurality of ports 410 and to the primary inlets and secondary inlets of the feeder device 300, and to the one or more pipes of the extractor device 100. In some embodiments, the second manifold device 400 uses a combination of flow controller members (not shown) disposed on each port 410 (eg. at the inlet) that is operable to control the flow of fluid into each port 410 and to the feeder device 300 and the extractor device 100. In some embodiments, flow controller members can include, but not limited to, motor and fluid pump, venturi or jet pump, connectors, seals, and pressure activated valves. In one embodiment, the fluid is high pressure water. The controller is in electrical communication with the flow controller members such that they can be controlled by the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is a switchboard with multiple switches that is operable to control the flow controller members of the first manifold device 200 and the second manifold device 400. By selectively controlling the supply of fluid via the plurality of ports 410, the controller can manage the timing and distribution of the fluid when desired to a specific port 410 to perform a specific task or operation, for example, directing the flow of fluid to a specific port 410 that in turn is directed into central conduit 310 of the feeder device 300 In some embodiments, the feeder device 300 is connected to one of the ports 410 which supplies a high pressure water to be delivered to the central conduit 310 of the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the second manifold device 400 is powered by a jet mining pump (notshown) for delivery of the high pressure water. In some embodiments, the controller controls the flow controller member disposed within each port 410 of the second manifold device 400 so as to control the selective flow of fluid from the manifold device 400 to the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the flow controller members can include, but not limited to, seals or pressure activated valves that are controlled by the controller. The flow controller member works cooperatively with the controller, second manifold device, extractor device and feeder device to control the flow of timing and distribution of fluid flow out of the extractor device 100 and the feeder device 300. By selectively controlling the supply of fluid flowing out of the ports 410, the controller can manage the timing and selective distribution of the fluid when desired to either the extractor device 100 or the feeder device 300 when required to perform a desired task or operation, for example, facilitating the descent of the extractor device 100 or the feeder device 300 to the desired depth. . In other words, when the flow controller member directs flow of fluid to the extractor device 100, the other flow controller members stops the flow of fluid to the feeder device 300. In some embodiments, the controller can direct the flow controller members disposed on the ports 410 such that the fluid can flow to all the ports simultaneously.100851 According to various embodiments, a third manifold device, separate from the first manifold device and the second manifold device, delivers air to the extractor device 100. The third manifold device is similar in shape and structure to the first and second manifold device. The third manifold device includes one or more outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the first pipe 121 (and fourth pipe) and the central passageway 180 of the extractor device 100. In some embodiments, the controller can manage the flow of air when desired to the one or more outlet ports to perform a specific task or operation, for example, directing the flow of air to the first pipe 121 and fourth pipe for the purpose of extracting the slurry for transport upwards through the central passageway 180. In another embodiment, the controller can supply the flow of air for the purpose of removingobstruction surrounding the extractor device In the event of obstruction surrounding the extractor device 100 which happens occasionally, the controller is capable of controlling the flow of air from the third manifold device by directing the flow of air downwards through the central passageway 180 to the area surrounding the exterior of the extractor device 100. In other words, instead of the air flowing out through the plurality of openings 145 upwards through the central passageway 180, the air is directed downwards through the central passageway 180 and is pushed upwards along the length of the exterior of the extractor device. In this way, any obstruction surrounding the exterior of the extractor device will be unblocked or removed from the flow of air that pushes upwards towards the sea surface. In some embodiments, the air flow is directed towards the exterior of the extractor device by blocking the first and fourth pipes that supply air to the air chamber 141. When the pipes are blocked, this causes the air flowing downwards of the central passageway to find the next alternative easy path which is towards the exterior of the extractor device, Tn some embodiments, the first pipe and the fourth pipe includes valves, for example, non-return valves, that blocks the air from being directed upwards through the aforesaid pipes.

[0086] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for vertical mining of a resource, comprising a feeder device comprising: a top portion, a bottom portion and a body including a plurality of connector portions connected between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion are coaxially disposed along a central axis of the feeder device; a central conduit in fluid communication with the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion, wherein the central conduit is configured to allow a first fluid passing therethrough to flow towards a bottom end of the bottom portion; a plurality of peripheral conduits arranged coaxially around the central conduit and configured to allow a second fluid passing therethrough to flow toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device via a lateral side of the feeder device; a first manifold device in fluid communication with the feeder device comprising: a supply chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of ports and one or more main conduit members, wherein each of the plurality of ports is in fluid communication with the each of the plurality of peripheral conduits for supplying the second fluid; a flow controller member disposed in each of the plurality of ports; a controller operable to control the flow controller member such that it selectively controls the flow of the second fluid through one or more plurality of peripheral conduits while stopping the flow of the second fluid through the rest of the plurality of peripheral conduits.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral conduits is disposed around the periphery of the central conduit, wherein each peripheral conduit extends longitudinally along the periphery of the central conduit to an outlet disposed at the bottom portion.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein each peripheral conduit is disposed substantially equidistant from one another around the periphery of the central conduit.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the outlet is disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the timing and distribution of the second fluid via each flow controller member flowing in each peripheral conduit.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more outlets are disposed in a different radial direction.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a penetrator fastened to a bottom end of the bottom portion of the feeder device, the penetrator including a plurality of longitudinal members inclined at an angle to the central axis of the feeder device such that they converge to a tip.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the penetrator includes a plurality of recesses formed between the longitudinal members.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein each longitudinal member is disposed equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom portion.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid is high pressure water.

11. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the second fluid is low pressure water.12 The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flow controller member is a pressure activated valve.

13. A method for vertical mining of a resource comprising: providing a feeder device comprising: a top portion, a bottom portion and a body including a plurality of connector portions connected between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion are coaxially disposed along a central axis of the feeder device; a central conduit in fluid communication with the top portion, the plurality of connector portions, and the bottom portion, wherein the central conduit is configured to allow a first fluid passing therethrough to flow towards a bottom end of the bottom portion; a plurality of peripheral conduits arranged coaxially around the central conduit, and configured to allow a second fluid passing therethrough to flow toward a predetermined area outside of the feeder device via a lateral side of the feeder device; providing a first manifold device in fluid communication with the feeder device, comprising:a supply chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of ports and one or more main conduit members, wherein each of the plurality of ports is in fluid communication the each of the plurality of peripheral conduits for supplying the second fluid; a flow controller member disposed in each of the plurality of ports; a controller operable to control the flow controller member so as to selectively control the flow of the second fluid through the one or more of the plurality of peripheral conduits while stopping the flow of the second fluid through the rest of the plurality of peripheral conduits.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of peripheral conduits is disposed around the periphery of the central conduit, wherein each peripheral conduit extends longitudinally along the periphery of the central conduit to an outlet disposed at the bottom portion.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein each peripheral conduit is disposed substantially equidistant from one another around the periphery of the central conduit.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the outlet is disposed in a direction laterally to the side of the feeder device.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the timing and distribution of the second fluid via each flow controller member flowing in each peripheral conduit.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the outlet of each peripheral conduit is disposed in a different radial direction.19 The method according to claim 13, further comprising a penetrator fastened to a bottom end of the bottom portion of the feeder device, the penetrator including a plurality of longitudinal members inclined at an angle to the central axis of the feeder device such that they converge to a tip.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the penetrator includes a plurality of recesses formed between the longitudinal members.

21. The method according to claims 19, wherein each longitudinal member is disposed equally apart from one another around the perimeter of the bottom portion.

22. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first fluid is high pressure water.23 The method according to claim 13, wherein the second fluid is low pressure water.

24. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flow controller member is a pressure activated valve.

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