Response of rock mass to technological explosions in mining the rockburst-hazardous iron-ore deposits

Iron-ore deposits of Siberia are mined at great depths in seismically active regions. The concentration of stresses in separate local parts of rock mass causes dynamic phenomena of different intensity. Dynamic manifestation of rock pressure considerably impedes development, face-entry drivage, and stoping operations in mines as well as leads to heavy expenses for reclamation. Blasting operations are referred to as a technological process that exerts the greatest effect on the state of a rock mass. After technological explosions with a seismic energy of 10 6 -10 13 J, the dynamic events in the form of shocks, microshocks, and rockbursts are frequently recorded. The authors have established the connection between blasting and rock pressure manifestations. The velocities of shock and seismic waves in rock mass during large-scale blasts are determined. Preventive actions including the use of explosion energy are developed for safe and effective mining of ore deposits.