Development and formalization of an integral criterion for adaptive control of the drilling-and-blasting parameters in open-pit mines

V.L. Yakovlev, S.N. Zharikov, A.S. Regotunov, V.A. Kutuev
Institute of Mining Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №2/ 2026 p. 56-60

Abstract: The article presents an integral adaptation criterion developed by the authors, which is a normalized quantitative measure (Kadapt) for selecting rational techniques in designing drilling and blasting operations. This measure combines specific criteria of efficiency and safety into a single dimensionless value: quality index of fragmentation, seismic safety, flyrock travel range, correspondence of the blast pulse to the rock mass properties, and economic costs. The weight factors of the integral criterion reflect the production priorities of the company regarding the balance between efficiency and safety. For a clear comparison of different technique options, the authors propose using a radar chart, which visualizes contribution of each specific criterion. A technique (or a combination of techniques) is considered rational if its integral criterion is closest to one, which corresponds to the optimal balance of all the considered parameters. The article provides a methodology for selecting the weight factors. The proposed approach helps to make a comprehensive assessment and optimization of the drilling-and-blasting design parameters in response to changes in the mining-geological and mining-engineering conditions during the development of complex-structure solid mineral deposits.

Keywords: Drilling-and-blasting operations, integral criterion, parameter adaptation, blasting safety, fragmentation efficiency, seismic impact, flyrock travel range

Acknowledgements: The research was carried out as part of State Assignment No. 075-00408-26-00, Topic 1 (2025–2027): Methodology for justification of prospects for technological development in the integrated development of Russia’s solid mineral resources (FUWE-2025-0001), reg. No. 1022040200004-9-1.5.1.

For citation: Yakovlev V.L., Zharikov S.N., Regotunov A.S., Kutuev V.A. Development and formalization of an integral criterion for adaptive control of the drilling-and-blasting parameters in open-pit mines. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(2):56–60. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-2-56-60

Information about the article

Received: 11.01.2026

Received after peer review: 16.02.2026

Accepted for publication: 20.02.2026

Information about the authors

Viktor L. Yakovlev – Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, Advisor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chief Researcher, Institute of Mining Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5860-9626; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sergey N. Zharikov – Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Head of Laboratory, Leading Researcher, Institute of Mining Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0322-9973; е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Andrey S. Regotunov – Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Senior Researcher, Institute of Mining Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5503-9397; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vyacheslav A. Kutuev – Researcher, Institute of Mining Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8423-0246; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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