Coal industry leaders and coal mining researchers from around the globe will flock to West Virginia this week to participate in the 27th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining in Morgantown.

Sponsored by the West Virginia University Department of Mining Engineering , the conference will take place Tuesday (July 29) through Thursday (July 31) at the Lakeview Scanticon Resort and Conference Center. Participants will attend from as far away as Europe, South America, Africa, Australia and China.

Ground control in mining involves the study of how rocks in the earth react to the disturbances of mining and how to make mining areas safe for workers. Conference participants will present retrospective papers on a wide range of technical topics, including digital networks for monitoring seismic activity in coal mines, new developments in longwall mining, design and construction of mine seals, ground control for room and pillar retreat mining and many other topics.

Our goal is to bring mining industry experts from all over the world together to share information and knowledge,said Syd Peng , WVU professor of mining engineering who has coordinated the conference since its inception.This conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn what is happening with coal mining at home and abroad.

In addition to WVU , conference sponsors include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Mine Safety and Health Administration and the West Virginia Coal Association.

For more information, visit www.cemr.wvu.edu/~icgcm .