The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that most of the base metal, noble metal and rare metal ores are extracted in difficult conditions, where the use of high-performance equipment is impossible. The alternative mining of that sort of ore bodies is chosen as a result of a compromise between extraction rating and quality of the produced ore. It is considered, that the longwall ore breaking in form of pit bank is the most effective one. Other options are considered as cost-intensive because of special drifting for ore breaking. The aim of the study is to prove, that the alternative options of ore production under the same conditions can compete with the main option upon performance and quality indicators, being much safer, excluding the presence of people in work in the mined-out area. The main method of the research is modeling of mining indexes in experimental blocks when conditions in a specific deposit are met. The obtained indicators are systematized and interpreted graphically. Results. The paper introduces the results of modeling the options of the heading system: the option of the bank ore breaking in the stopping zone is compared with the one of the ore breaking from the drilling room: sublevel drifts and risings. The authors have determined the quantitative indicators of alternative options. It is determined that the labour intensity of the drilling room sinking is compensated by the convenience of ore delivery and relative operating safety. It is proved that the options of the heading and room-and-pillar systems, using the drilling factor in the solid ore in special pits and ore breaking by the direct action of the explosion are economically sounder and safer. Conclusions. With little difference in the parameters of the compared options, the increasing labour intensity sinking of the special drilling rooms for ore breaking is compensated by cost saving in ore delivery when the ore bar is created using the direct action of the explosion.