The Lisheen Mine is an underground operation sited in the midlands of Ireland. Using a combination of open stoping and room and pillars 1.5mtpa of zinc /lead ore are mined The ore body is essentially tabular with a general thickness of 3-8metres but with large local areas in excess of 20 meters. The host Waulsortian limestone is extremely faulted and karstified allowing major water inflows and weathered rock conditions. The primary ground control concerns are the extensive wide-open fissures and cavities with clay/ sand infill sometimes with water inflows and the widespread horizontal weathering on the hanging wall contact. The shallow (200m) nature of the ore body combined with a low stress regime, extensive vertical faulting and jointing inhibited the ability to design large unsupported spans. It was evident early in the operation that it would be necessary to predict the location and severity of the features and poor ground.