Abstract: In order to study the change law of mining pressure with different coal pillars sizes at the face near a goaf in the recovery process. Aiming at the actual needs of rockburst prevention for Xinglong Coal Mine, discrete element numerical simulation is used to study the change law of pillar mining stress and plastic zone and roof subsidence in the adjacent coal goaf. Studies showed that leaving coal pillars in mining process is affected by both sides of the goaf pressure superimposed to form a high abutment pressure; with the advancing of the working face, the coal pillar bimodal stress gradually merged, peak stress increases gradually. Rockburst is most likely to occur in the coal pillar near its top and bottom of the stress concentration areas. Practice has proved the simulation results and the field situation.