A review of coal bumps. their nature. causes. prediction. prevention. and mitigation is presented. The design and construction of a borehole stressmeter is discussed. Laboratory testing. which yielded promising results of the stressmeter (inclusion) is presented along with preliminary field test results. Laboratory testing involved comparison with the results of a two-dimensional finite element model of the physical laboratory test with those of the physical test itself. Results correlated well. The results of the field test indicate the need for further research into the practical application of the solid inclusion method in the field. / Master of Science