Abstract: The invention provides a mining tool (30) for mining an underground substantially horizontal seam of material comprising an eductor module (60) and a fluidising module (62). The fluidising module (62) includes a plenum (66) adapted to receive high pressure fluid from a mining string, and one or more fluid jet nozzles (42,43,44) for emitting the high pressure fluid to mobilise material of the seam. The eductor module (60) includes an eductor assembly (69) adapted to recover the mined material to return it as a slurry along the string. In use, the tool is connected to a mining pipe or string (35) extending from the surface to supplying said high pressure fluid to the eductor arrangement and fluidising nozzles. The eductor assembly is positioned toward the proximal side of the tool which is connected to mining pipe (35). The fluidising jet nozzles are positioned more towards the distal end of the tool, such that when in use, eductor recovers the slurry at said proximal position relative to the string.

Abstract: The invention provides a mining tool (30) for mining an underground substantially horizontal seam of material comprising an eductor module (60) and a fluidising module (62). The fluidising module (62) includes a plenum (66) adapted to receive high pressure fluid from a mining string, and one or more fluid jet nozzles (42,43.44) for emitting the high pressure fluid to mobilise material of the seam. The eductor module (60) includes an eductor assembly (69) adapted to recover the mined material to return it as a slurry along the string. In use, the tool is connected to a mining pipe or string (35) extending from the surface to supplying said high pressure fluid to the eductor arrangement and fluidising nozzles. The eductor assembly is positioned toward the proximal side of the tool which is connected to mining pipe (35). The fluidising jet nozzles are positioned more towards the distal end of the tool, such that when in use, eductor recovers the slurry at said proximal position relative to the string.