The paper describes the detailed hydrogeological studies carried out prior to the sinking of twin shafts at British Coal's new mine at Asfordby, Leicestershire, UK. The test methods for assessing potential groundwater inflows to the shafts are discussed and details are given of the ground freezing scheme employed through the major aquifer zone in the Sherwood Sandstone at a depth of 375 metres._x000D_
During shaft sinking pressure recovery tests were carried out to further assess potential inflows and the results are compared with those from the surface tests prior to sinking.