The 184 papers in this volume summarize recent developments in mining science and technology worldwide. They also provide insights in the future of mining and outline the main directions of its development. A diversity of topics is covered, ranging from challenges of reorganizing coal mining in Romania and reclamation of mined out mines in Poland to most recent advances in the American surface mining and advanced coal preparation techniques developed in Japan. This book is recommended reading for those involved in mining in general, and to those interested in Chinese mining in particular.