The paper analyzes the methods of mining operations at coal mines and potash mines of Starobinsky deposit. Special attention is paid to the problem of rational extraction of potash ore without leaving large width pillars at the mines of RUE PA Belaruskali, especially relevant at the Krasnoslobodsk mine under construction. The hypothesis of the combined method of underground mining of the 4th sylvinite layer of the Third potash horizon, which consists in mining of the pillar with limited dimensions with turning of the mechanized complex by 180° on the border of the excavation area, is put forward. The known technological schemes with face turning were analyzed and their disadvantages were determined. A new technological scheme of excavation of the 4th layer with extinguishing of the previously left pillar (for protection of preparatory workings after turning) is proposed. The necessary parameters for its application (width of the zone of operational cracks propagation to the edge part of the massif) are calculated, the approximate economic effect from the introduction of the new technological scheme is given.
