Covering blasting with blasting mats or soil helps control fly rock and air overpressure by containing the energy and debris generated during the blast. Blasting mats absorb and disperse the shockwave, reducing the likelihood of fly rock projectiles being ejected from the blast site. Additionally, soil cover acts as a barrier, absorbing energy and preventing the propagation of air overpressure waves beyond the blast area, thereby minimizing the impact on surrounding structures and environments.