Preface. The XIV International Research and Practice Conference “Ukrainian School of Mining Engineering” (USME 2020)

The XIV International Research and Practice Conference “Ukrainian School of Mining Engineering” once again has made an important contribution to the mining industry, science and education. In the course of the conference, a wide range of problems was discussed: theoretical aspects of mining; domestic and foreign experience; personnel training in modern realities; problems of mineral deposits development; fundamental concepts of labor safety, etc. Fruitful dialogue and exchange of experience among conference participants contribute to the generation of new ideas, discoveries, technologies that will find their application in the nearest future. The formation of a new generation of scientists and engineers is taking place today, and therefore this representative conference is an important means of creating a new intellectual environment. The conference promotes the establishment of effective contacts between representatives of different scientific schools and directions, and the acquisition of invaluable experience and practice by researchers.