Chapter 1 Underground Mine Development and Mining Method 1.1 Underground mine development 1.2 Underground mining method 1.2.1 Open stope method 1.2.2 Backfilling method 1.2.3 Caving method References Chapter 2 Underground Mining Method Selection 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Essential criteria for mining method selection 2.3 Factors influencing the decision 2.3.1 Geology of the deposit 2.3.2 Economic considerations 2.3.3 Technological factors 2.3.4 Safety, health, environmental concerns 2.3.5 Political and social conditions 2.4 Underground mining method selection and evaluation methods 2.4.1 Qualitative methods 2.4.2 Numerical scoring methods 2.4.3 Decision-making models 2.5 Conclusions References Chapter 3 Empirical Methods in Mining Geomechanics 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Rock mass evaluation systems 3.2.1 Rock mass rating system (RMR) 3.2.2 Q-system 3.2.3 Rock mass index (RMi) 3.2.4 Geological strength index (GSI) 3.3 Open stope stability graph 3.3.1 Main ideas 3.3.2 Limitations 3.4 Excavatability classification systems 3.5 Blastability assessment systems 3.5.1 Blastability assessment factors 3.5.2 Blastability assessment indexes 3.6 Rockburst classification criteria 3.6.1 Single indicator criteria 3.6.2 Multi-index indicators criteria 3.6.3 Rockburst chart 3.7 Orepass design in hard rock mines 3.7.1 Orepass diameter 3.7.2 Orepass longevity 3.7.3 Orepass wall stability 3.8 Conclusions References Chapter 4 Design of Hard Rock Pillar in Underground Space 4. 1 Introduction 4.2 Design methods 4.2.1 Empirical method 4.2.2 Numerical simulation method 4.2.3 Statistical assessment method 4.2.4 Artificial intelligence method 4.3 Hard rock pillar design by examples 4.3.1 Example 1 4.3.2 Example 2 4.3.3 Example 3 4.3.4 Example 4 4.3.5 Example 5 4.3.6 Example 6 4.3.7 Example 7 4.3.8 Example 8 4.4 Conclusions References Chapter 5 Criteria for Underground Mine Damage 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Damage-failure in underground excavations 5.1.2 Overview of the main types of damage criteria 5.2 Failure criteria for underground mines in numerical analysis 5.2.1 Stress-based failure criteria 5.2.2 Strain-based failure criteria 5.3 Vibration energy as damage criteria 5.4 Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) criteria and damage assessment 5.4.1 Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) criteria 5.4.2 Peak particle velocity and frequency as damage criteria References Chapter 6 Drilling and Blasting in Hard Rock 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Rock drills classification 6.2.1 Mounting type 6.2.2 Motive power of rock drills 6.2.3 Mechanics of rock penetration efficiency 6.3 Blasting design 6.3.1 Blasting design process 6.3.2 Methodology 6.4 Blast damage criteria 6.5 Suggested damage threshold levels for rock damage 6.6 Underground mine blasting design 6.6.1 Tunnel blasting 6.6.2 Shaft sinking 6.6.3 Production ring blasts 6.6.4 Underground mining large-diameter long hole blasting References Chapter 7 Rockburst Prediction and Prevention in Underground Excavation 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Rockburst statistical analysis 7.2.1 Disaster statistics analysis 7.2.2 Rockburst characteristics analysis 7.3 Rockburst prediction 7.3.1 Empirical criteria method 7.3.2 Simulation technology 7.3.3 Mathematical modeling method 7.3.4 Microseismic monitoring technology 7.3.5 Comments for different forecasting methods 7.4 Rockburst prevention 7.4.1 Rockburst support design principles and control strategies 7.4.2 Rockburst support methods 7.5 Conclusions References Chapter 8 Backfill Technology and