An anchor fitted with a self-tapping thread and an anchor rod, whereby at least one axially oriented feed channel for a curable compound is arranged in the anchor rod. A head element on which the self-tapping thread is arranged is fastened to a first end of the anchor rod.

A rock bolt assembly provides an indication of a coupling. The rock bolt assembly includes two shaft sections, namely inner and outer shaft sections. A coupler is configured to couple the two shaft sections together at proximate ends. An electrical conductor is insulated from the outer shaft section and extends from the dead end of the outer shaft section to the head at the live end of the outer shaft section. An electrical contact arrangement is provided at the dead end of the outer shaft section, configured to electrically interconnect the outer shaft section and the conductor when the inner and outer shaft sections are coupled. Electrical terminals are provided at the head and connected respectively to the outer shaft section and to the conductor, the electrical terminals being electrically interconnected or continuous when the outer shaft section and the conductor are electrically interconnected.

This invention discloses an underground rock anchoring system comprising a rock bolt having a bolt shaft operatively locatable in an elongate rectilinear hole drilled into a hanging wall such that an end portion of the bolt shaft protrudes from the hole, the bolt shaft having a side wall defining a hollow internal chamber extending along at least part of the length of the bolt shaft, a bearing plate adapted to be fitted over the protruding end portion of the bolt shaft for bearing against a rock surface of the hanging wall; and fastening means for pulling the bearing plate taut against the rock surface of the hanging wall. The invention also extends to a rock anchoring method in which such system is used.