Last date for submission of paper: 31-Dec-2019; Contact person: Dr. A. K. Agarwal; In India during last two decades, mining activities are being planned to work at greater depth in weaker and complex rock masses. Designing of excavations in rock masses whether at surface or at underground, requires a good understanding of ground conditions. These pose tough challenges to practicing Mining Engineering and Geologists to design operations safely without compromising Economy and Environment.