In this paper

the test results of mineral component and swelling behavior of the shale at An Zhou Coal Mine

D.P.R.Korea are introduced. The results showed that the shale has properties of high unit weight

low porosity and high content of hydrophilic clay mineral. With such properties

it will have large swell and high swelling force to the support of the project. Therefore it is considered that the effective measure to prevent unstable of the surrounding rock may be reducing disturbance and changes of water content. This paper is the first achievement in cooperation research between the colleagues of our institute and Institute of Rock Mechanics Academia Korea.