ABSTRACT
The parameters of rock breakage by blasting as applied to the conditions of a base metal mine were studied by the method of equivalent materials. The accuracy of an experiment depends on the selection of scale and boundary conditions. The scale of modelling is dependent on two criteria—minimum strength of equivalent material and critical diameter of explosive charge. Adoption of the method of equivalent materials with recording of stresses enabled obtainment of experimental data for comparative evaluation of the parameters of breakage by blasting. Knowledge of the breakage mechanism of a solid massif enables selection of rational values of blast-breakage parameters that ensure stability of the enclosing rocks and the backfill. A high increase in dilution rate caused by breakage of country rocks was noticed in row-wise ordinary blasting with augmented consumption of explosives. The drillhole charges, in contrast to the shothole charges, work in the ore massif undisturbed by blasting.
