The Article presents the results of long-term investigations of the problem concerning the protection of shafts with pillars of reduced sizes under conditions of the Talnakh and Oktiabrsky deposits. The principal potentiality of partial mining of shaft-bottom pillars VS-3 and GS has been proved at the Oktiabrsky ore mine. Certain recommendations are given on optimization of parameters of shaft-bottom protective pillars.

The paper considers the existing standards in the field of rock movement and protection of engineer constructions from harmful influence of mining operations. It is emphasized the necessity in revision of some standards in compliance with the real mining production.