Abstract: Three-dimensional visualization system is a part of spatial information infrastructure platform (4D GIS) of intelligent mine. Firstly, this paper introduces the history of 3D visualization technology for mining industry. Secondly, the paper summarizes the latest research progress of 3D data capture and modeling, 3D visualization software and hardware, 3D visualization application, 3D data standard with the current cutting-edge 3D visualization technology. In this part, this paper mainly introduces the technology of geology exploration and 3D modeling for transparent longwall face, the several new surveying technology including LiDAR, panorama and stereoscopic and depth camera of 3D roadway data capture, the advance technology of WebGL, cloud rendering, virtual reality and augment reality. Thirdly, the paper analyses the current shortcomings of 3D visualization applications, points that a general 3D visualization system or GIS system is far from enough, the system needs to support the various professional domains, such as transparent exploration, mine design, ventilation, work safety and management, industrial intelligent management and control, environment monitoring, disaster simulation, virtual simulation and training and so on. Finally, the paper introduces the international 3D data standards such as CityGML, Geo3DML, 3D Tiles.