The article shows the results of the development of a method for obtaining information on the strength properties of an massif in the process of drilling of blast holes. This method is developed for open-cast mining and serves to increase the effectiveness of mass explosions. The order of operations is shown and the equipment is described for obtaining the necessary measured characteristics for the subsequent simulation of the distribution of rocks in the volume of the local block of the massif. The paper presents an approach to simulating of a threedimensional model of rock distribution from the difficulty of drilling in the volume of a local block that is subject to explosive destruction. The results of approbation of the equipment and simulation procedure at a large mining enterprise OJSC "Uralasbest" when blast holes are drilled with roller-type drill rig are presented. As a result of the approbation of the equipment, the values of the average power consumption for the drilling of one meter of the well were set by the machine tool, the fraction of power attributable to the auxiliary operations, and the average energy intensity of the fracture (by the rotator power, without taking into account the compressor's cost for blowing the well). Based on the test results, a digital model has been developed that has made it possible to improve the quality of studies on strength properties of rocks in an experimental local block prepared for explosive destruction.