From the organization and state of drilling and blasting operations largely depends the management of blasted rock mass reserves and the rhythmicity of open pit operations. As reported data show, the cost of rock preparation for excavation at open pits in the Arctic is 1.5 2 times higher than at open pits in the central regions of the country with similar mining conditions. Improvement of technology and organization of drilling and blasting operations at Arctic open pits has made it possible to significantly increase the supply of blasted rock mass to excavators.