A method and kit for installing a stopping in a mine opening includes securely fixing in the mine opening a screen of a size of about 2 to 24 mesh, preferably about 10 to 20 mesh, most preferably about 12 to 16 mesh, and applying a mortar to the screen to form a coating on the screen; and continuing the application of the mortar until the stopping is airtight. Preferably the screen is composed of steel wire of a diameter from about 0.010 to 0.030 inches (about 0.025 to 0.075 cms). Preferably the mortar is ready-to-use-mortar. The kit comprises as a first component, a screen of mesh size of about 2 to 24 suitable for installation in an opening in the mine and receiving a mortar and supporting the mortar (having a tensile strength of at least 150 lbs/inch) and, as a second component, a mortar, preferably a ready-to-use mortar, for application to the screen to provide a stopping.