The paper reviews the application of microseismic monitoring to different mining activities with a view to evaluating its future applications need for the development of more specialized equipment and a better understanding of the process. Some of the basic physical elements of microseismic monitoring related to the available equipment are discussed. Analysis of field tests from underground mining is made for conclusions related to both hard and soft rock mining and on rock bursting. To illustrate microseismic monitoring, data from a study of stability of a pit slope in an open pit were used. Although the main emphasis of the discussion is on field testing, the contribution of laboratory measurements must also be considered.