OFFICIAL INNOVATIVE GROUND SUPPORT TECHNIQUES IN UNDERGROUND MINING R. Luis-Fonseca1, R. Brändle1, C. Durham2, R. Romero1, *G. Fischer1 1Geobrugg AG, Romanshorn, Switzerland 2Agnico Eagle, Toronto, Canada *Presenting author: german.fischer@geobrugg.com ABSTRACT Despite sustained improvements in the global mining sector over the last decade, underground mining remains one of the most hazardous industrial activities worldwide. Fatality rates in underground operations remain significantly higher than in most other industrial sectors -by approximately one order of magnitude- with geotechnical failures caused by combined static and dynamic loading (rockfalls, collapses, and rockbursts) ranking among the leading causes of fatal accidents. Recent globally available data indicate that safety performance has remained stable since 2022, highlighting the limitations of incremental improvements and the need for more fundamental changes in risk management practices. This paper examines global trends in underground mining safety and focuses on the role of cutting-edge ground support techniques as a key driver for reducing fatality risk. Regions achieving the lowest fatality rates consistently combine conservative geotechnical design, dynamic support systems, and people-light mining strategies. Ground control is presented as an integrated system rather than a single technical measure, encompassing geotechnical characterisation, mine design, systematic reinforcement, innovative installation methods, real-time monitoring, and operational governance through Critical Control Management. Emphasis is placed on innovative and dynamic support systems, including energy-absorbing rockbolts, high-tensile deformable mesh, fibre-reinforced shotcrete, long reinforcement, and layered support concepts capable of accommodating large deformations and seismic loading. These technologies help close the gap between geotechnical design and execution while enabling reliable enforcement of exclusion zones and life-saving controls. The paper concludes that cutting-edge ground support should not be viewed solely as a safety enhancement, but as a critical production technology. By stabilising the rock mass at its source, it reduces unplanned downtime, improves cycle predictability, and enables safe, high-performance underground mining in increasingly deep and complex environments. KEYWORDS Fatalities in underground, mechanised ground support, high‑tensile deformable mesh, dynamic support 1. FATALITIES IN GLOBAL MINING INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS In global mining, fatality rate refers to standard metrics utilized to assess the safety performance of the industry. Generally, there are three indicators used to evaluate mining's safety performance: (1) Fatality Rate (FR the number of deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTE) per year), (2) Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR - injuries
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