Engineering-geological zoning of deposits at the initial stage is carried out, as a rule, on the basis of very limited engineering-geological data. The use of natural analogs creates a real possibility of forecasting the engineering-geological conditions of quarry fields. The advantage of this method is in preserving in the analogue all the versatility of the internal relations of geological phenomena and processes. At the same time, the method of natural analogues, organically combining theoretical research, geological field observations and accumulated experience, provides the necessary specificity of forecasts. ...