ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

The South African National Institute of Rock Engineering Symposium is a forum for Rock Engineering Practitioners to showcase their technical abilities and skills to the industry over a period of two days. Participants and Presenters network, share ideas, knowledge and practices, whilst learning more about the most recent innovations, trends, experiences and concerns in Rock Engineering. In an effort to respond to ideas coming from SANIRE members the 2026 Symposium will feature an opportunity for expanded participation in the programme through presentations. The aim of the Symposium is to broaden participation and learning by opening an opportunity for innovative and challenging material that would not otherwise be available in other formats. The Symposium will be held from the 7-8 July 2026. Interested practitioners, researchers, managers and others in the field of Rock Engineering can create meaningful dialogues by sharing their knowledge through presentations during the Symposium.

Rock engineering is a unique blend of science, iterative processes, empirical wisdom, and professional judgment. In today’s rapidly changing environment, where global expectations demand higher standards and practices that prioritise human and environmental impact, the modern rock engineer must be equipped to navigate these dynamics.

This symposium will showcase the evolution of rock engineering practices in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world—highlighting agile and flexible decision-making while upholding the highest engineering standards and a commitment to sustainability.

REGISTRATION FEES

CALL FOR PAPERS

Abstract Format

The abstract should include the title of the paper, the author/s and provide a general overview of the objectives and outcomes presented in the paper

Key Topics

• Adoption and Application of Digital Technology in design and risk management (e.g., Artificial Intelligence)
• Decision-Making Processes in engineering design
• Human and Environmental Considerations in developing solutions
• Data Collection and Analytics for informed decision-making
• Monitoring and Response strategies for dynamic conditions

Abstracts will be competitively evaluated using:

• Technical soundness
• Innovation in topic and approach
• Creative and compelling content
• Effective use of case studies and literature

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 6 April 2026
• Technical Paper Submission Deadline: 12 May 2026
• Presentation Submission Deadline: 23 June 2026

Each abstract will be reviewed by at least three members of the SANIRE Council and reviewed based on a range of parameters.

NOTE

Abstracts that are not Rock Engineering related or are sales pitches for products or services will not be considered, unless otherwise agreed to by SANIRE Council as a sponsorship package.

Submissions can be made via the abstract portal

[SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT]

 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gugu Charlie, Conferences and Events Coordinator
gugu@saimm.co.za
Tel: +27 11 538 0238

REGISTER HERE...