Topical areas of research needs in ground control – A state of the art review on coal mine ground control

Ground control is one of the four subsystems of underground mining. It covers not only roof control, but also rib control, floor control, pillar design, shield design, overburden failures and subsidence. In the past three decades, ground control has made a tremendous advancement and many case studies have demonstrated its important role in the daily mining operations. However, there are plenty of room for improvements. This paper discusses the research needs in 12 subject areas including research approach, rock property, geology, computer modeling, in-situ stresses, roof bolting, coal pillars, field instrumentation, failures, surface subsidence, shield supports and coal bumps.