Mechanics of jointed rock masses is a new branch derived from mining engineering and engineering mechanics. Aimed at the practical problems in mining engineering, this paper reviews the recent developments in mechanics of rock masses and its applications, including damage mechanics of rock masses and its applications, and fractal theory and applications of mechanics of rock masses. Moreover, a development tendency of mechanics of rock masses, i. e.，the scientific points and key techniques for prevention of engineering catastrophes and slection of mining method of deep mining, is discussed in the paper.