Abstract: This paper presents a practical approach for exploiting the application of three-dimensional finite element method on mining engineering by means of microcomputers. A 3-D nonlinear FEM microcomputer program (including pre and post proccesing systems), which was recently developed for mining practices by the authors, is described briefly. The analyses of ground surface movement due to mining for flat-dipping middle-thick orebody in Xishimen Iron Mine, Hebei Province, are made by using this program; and three-dimensional subsidence basin, horizontal movement, surface tilt, surface curvature, and horizontal strain are given. The above indicates that developing the applications of 3-D FEM on microcomputers for ground surface movement due to mining has a great future practically and economically.