The paper presents a general background to the subsidence research program being undertaken by the Department of Mineral Resources and Development in New South Wales._x000D_
The results of the studies undertaken over the last ten years are summarised._x000D_
The differences between these results and those obtained by the National Coal Board are discussed._x000D_
The results of a study carried out on the effect of total extraction beneath a freeway in the southern coalfields are discussed in some detail._x000D_
The procedures developed for the construction of a 500 mm diameter natural gas pipeline crossing a number of collieries in the northern coalfields are also outlined._x000D_
The future direction of the Department's subsidence research program is discussed.