Abstract: In this paper, the necessity of backfill mining is described. The characteristics and classification of backfill mining are introduced, and the typical traditional backfill mining technical methods are analyzed, as well as some successful engineering examples. On account of the shortage of low efficiency and high cost in backfill mining, the requirements involving filling equipment, filling materials, filling technologies and filling theories are proposed. From the perspective of resources and environment, the application prospect of backfill mining is discussed.