Rock engineering is the discipline of designing and supporting stable excavations in rock. By understanding the properties of the rock quantitatively as well as qualitatively the design of stable excavations in mines is made possible.

In addition, rock engineering entails an understanding of available support types and their performance. This is used to select the optimum support required for the stability of excavations, considering relevant factors such as safety, length of service and economics. Rock engineering also includes a working understanding of mining induced seismicity, including mechanisms; mine layout to minimise seismicity support to minimise rock burst damage.

Rock engineering has played a crucial role in helping to exploit the underground mineral wealth present in South Africa. Much rock engineering knowledge has become general practice through experience, and by the efforts of rock mechanics practitioners and educational institutions to propagate the best practices in the industry.

Many rock engineers are graduates in science or engineering, but some have mining diplomas. The legally recognised qualification is the Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics Certificate, which is administered by UNISA and overviewed by SANIRE (South African National Institute for Rock Engineering.

The Rock Engineer is therefore one of the key contributors to the welfare of the mining industry.engineering is the discipline of designing and supporting stable excavations in rock. By understanding the properties of the rock quantitatively as well as qualitatively the design of stable excavations in mines is made possible.

In addition, rock engineering entails an understanding of available support types and their performance. This is used to select the optimum support required for the stability of excavations, considering relevant factors such as safety, length of service and economics. Rock engineering also includes a working understanding of mining induced seismicity, including mechanisms; mine layout to minimise seismicity support to minimise rock burst damage.