At present, the mining industry is increasingly using the method of contour blasting when sinking workings. Contouring of workings is carried out either before or after the destruction of the main mass of rock. According to this feature the main division of contour blasting is made: 1) preliminary slotting and 2) with subsequent contouring. The second method is used only for the purpose of ensuring the best conformity of the excavation cross-section to the design contour; the first, in addition, is more and more widely used in those cases when it is necessary to ensure the safety of some object beyond the design contour from the harmful effects of blasting.