Guest editorial-Special issue on ground control in mining in 2016

In 1981 a Professor at West Virginia University recognized the need to establish a program for bringing together members of the mining community to share and discuss methods, technology and experiences related to ground control in mining operations [1 ]. From this initial idea the International Conference on Ground Control in Mining （ICGCM） was established. Professor Syd S. Peng was that individual and 35 years later this event is widely recog- nized as the premier gathering of ground control researchers, con- sultants, regulators, manufacturers and mine operators [2-6]. From the initial gathering in 1981, the Conference has grown sig- nificantly and has been expanded to include a sister event held annually in China [7]. Both events are focused on advancing the knowledge and science of ground control in mining applications with the overall goal of providing solutions for the mining industry.