Abstract: Such parameters as specific density, tensile strength, shearing strength of rock specimen, together with the integrity index of rock mass, are used as the criteria for blast ability classification of rock masses.Meanwhile, the clustering analysis is applied in rock mass blastability classification calculations to the main types of Shuichang Open Pit Mine.Technical parameters for bench blasting of different type of rock masses of the mine are determined in accordance with results of the classification calculation.Field tests demonstrated that the research work can be helpful in improving reliability of the blasting parameters and fragmentation of field blasting. 

Key words: Bench blasting, Rock mass blastability classification, Clustering analyses