Abstract: Novel roof bolt bearing plate and method are disclosed for use in underground mining operations. A novel dome-shaped roof bolt bearing plate and method support the roof in a mine. The novel bearing plate is round or elliptical and characterized and distinguished by important safety integrity features. No dangerous edges and corners protrude downward. A novel recessed center is lower then the outer rim. A thin outer rim conforms to roof irregularities. The novel roof bolt bearing plate and method conceal the head of the roof bolt to a preferred degree, conform to the roof's irregularities causing the plate to remain tight, provide readability to determine the quality and integrity of installation and anchorage, and compress the lower strata of the mine roof, thereby creating a beam like support for the upper layers of the mine roof.