A blasting arrangement (10) includes drillholes (30) in a rock mass (20). Blind ends (32) are drilled to a desired level and, if necessary, are adjusted as shown at (62) to said level. Each hole (30) is plugged by means of a plug (42), which is protected by non flammable buffer material (44), at a level (40) spaced from the end (32). Explosive (50) is charged above the level (40) and the hole is tamped, shown at (60). The holes are detonated desirably by detonators (52), forcing the plugs (42) downwardly and compressing air in chambers (34) above the ends (32). The weakest part of each hole, around the end (32), is split causing a three dimensional zone of weakness at the level of the ends (32). Air forced into the zone of weakness causes a fracture zone (70) at that level, inhibiting propagation of blasting shock waves and protecting the material underneath the level of the ends (32).