The International Mining Forum is a recurring event, hosted by the University of Science and Technology in Cracow, Poland, bringing together an international group of scientists, including those working in rock mechanics and computer engineering as well as mining engineers. The topics are wide-ranging, including papers on remote sensing to assess primary impact; treatment of sealed-off coal mine fires; sustainable development in mine closure; and monitoring of natural hazards and safety issues.

This work comprises technical papers that were presented at the Sixth International Mining Forum in Poland in 2005. The major themes of IMF 2005 were: New Technology in Underground Mining; Safety in Mines; and Mining under Conditions of Sustainable Development. There is discussion of the international mining industry featuring both sustainable development and new developments within the mining sector. This book is addressed to researchers and professionals who work in the fields of underground mining technology, rock engineering and mine management.

The International Mining Forum is a meeting of scientists and professionals specializing in mining science, in order to exchange new ideas and experiences, evaluate previously implemented solutions and procedures and to discuss new ideas that might change the image of the mining industry as a whole. New Technological Solutions in Underground Mining provides an overview of the current position of the mining industry as presented at the International Mining Forum in February 2006 in Cracow, Poland. The conference was hosted by the Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute and by the University of Science and Technology in Cracow. The International Mining Forum gathered speakers from Canada, Ukraine, Germany, China, Thailand, and Poland.