Moscow State Mining University (Moscow, Russia):

Kutuzov B. N., Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

“Polyus” JSC (Krasnoyarsk, Russia):

Tokarenko A. V., Director, Olimpiadninsky Mining and Processing Integrated Works, e-mail: sekretar@polyusgold.com

Open pit mining of steeply pitching mineral beds results in quick deepening of an open pit’s depth and prospective transition to more expensive underground mining. Extending the period of open pit mine life is possible by making the pitwalls steeper. To maintain stability of steep pitwalls, it is required to protect them from weakening under large-scale ripping blasts on working benches by creating a slot along the final perimeter of an open pit by means of low-force borehole charge blasting. This article discusses the so-called perimeter blasting technology in terms of Kovdorsky Iron Ore Integrated Works and Olimpiadninsky Gold Integrated Works, and highlights beneficial effect exerted by the technology on pitwall stability and economically sound depth of open pit mines.

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