The methods of development of the V.P. Grib diamond deposit, characterized by complex engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions, are considered. Based on the analysis of the conditions and taking into account the specifics of the geological structure, a combined method of development is proposed. The characteristic of the environmental problems arising with this method is given and engineering ways of their solution are outlined.

The possibility of choosing the optimal method of development of a particular deposit with regard to the expected geo-environmental changes is considered. Assessment (in points) of predicted changes in the natural environment during mining operations by traditional methods allows to consider underground mining as preferable. The necessity of transition of engineering geology to the status of a science justifying the method of development rather than providing a pre-selected one is shown.

Oil shale is an important promising energy-technological raw material due to the increasing scarcity of these resources in the European part of Russia.

The underground development of the Kashpirskoye oil shale deposit is located in the central part of the Volga oil shale basin, on the eastern edge of the East European Platform

Underground development of oil shale deposits is accompanied by various geological processes, which lead to complication of operating conditions, to deterioration of safety and technical and economic indicators of mining operations.