This issue of Evidence in Earth Science brings together rigorous research at the intersection of geomechanics, mining engineering, and hazard assessment. The featured study investigates the mechanisms of abrupt surface subsidence induced by repeated mining beneath residual coal pillars, using Tashan Coal Mine in China as a case study. By integrating field evidence with mechanical analysis, the authors clarify how residual pillar instability triggers sudden ground movement, offering practical implications for subsidence prediction and mine safety management. Such work reflects the journal's commitment to advancing evidence-based research in Earth and environmental sciences and to translating scientific findings into engineering practice. We hope this issue stimulates further interdisciplinary inquiry into geohazards and sustainable resource extraction.