The problems of labor protection at the development of solid minerals by the underground method are investigated. The results of studies are presented with the aim of reducing risk at the development of shallow low-power deposits of metal ores using drill-blasting. Geological features of complex structural deposits of this type and the difficulties of their development are characterized. The concept was formulated to reduce the level of risk at the development of deposits of the type in question, which, in contrast to well-known approaches, includes the risk assessment when performing technological operations of separating ore from the massif and blasting delivery.

Alternative methods of separating and delivering ore from the worked-out treatment space and from the workings: drifts and risers are compared. The relationship is formulated between the indicators of mining intensity, ore quality and the comfort of the working conditions of miners. When developing shallow low-power deposits, in addition to the traditional criteria of intensity, cost and quality, it is recommended to use a safety criterion that depends on the efficiency of explosive destruction and ore movement.

It is proved that the method of explosive blasting out of drilling workings is superior to the method of blasting from the worked out space, both from the point of view of traditional indicators and from the point of view of reducing the risk of injuring miners, by eliminating the need for workers to stay in the open mined space. Of the alternative methods of blasting, the best result is blasting from drifts.