Department of Surface Mining, belonging to Faculty of Mining, of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), is one of the most traditional departments in HUMG, with 55 experience years in training Diplom Engineer, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Engineering for Vietnam. Surface Mining has an important role in Vietnamese Mining Industry, especially in mining coal, ore and building materials. To enhance the surface mining effect, high - quality labour force training and scientific research is very important, especially in the trend of integrating the fourth industrial revolution. The pape confirms the role of surface mining; lists the achievements of the Surface Mining Department; summaries the challenges of Vietnamese Surface Mining and trend of mining industry in integrating the fourth industrial revolution, and proposes some orientations in training and scientific research of Vietnamese Surface Mining for sustainable development.