ABSTRACT
This paper aims to provide some background to the subject of this conference. The purposes, terminology and principles of rock support and reinforcement in underground mining are outlined. The evolution of the use of rock and cable bolting, shotcrete and fill in underground mining in Australia and elsewhere is discussed. An example is given of the application of modern rock support and reinforcement to the Neves Corvo mine, Portugal. Finally, some observations are made about the recent application of support and reinforcement knowledge and technology in the Australian underground metalliferous mining industry.
