This subfield of engineering deals with the mechanics of rock and soil to design safe and stable underground excavations. It applies geology and engineering principles to construct tunnels, mine shafts, and large caverns. Professionals use it to predict how rock masses will behave under the stress of excavation and support systems.
Heard on the job
The geoengineering report recommends shotcrete and rockbolts for the new decline due to the highly fractured hanging wall.
Insider tip
Do not confuse this with climate engineering; in mining, it strictly refers to geotechnical engineering applied to earth materials.