Ordnance management capabilities
Landmine and UXO pollution takes many forms and affects diverse environments and populations
Accordingly our Ordnance Management teams use an integrated “tool box” approach, employing techniques and resources most relevant to each situation. These include: manual clearance; Mine Detection Dogs; and mechanical ground preparation/mine clearance. We offer the following capabilities:
Technical consultancy
Our highly experienced advisors deploy into potentially hazardous areas in order to carry out UXO / mine threat assessments. Clients are advised on the safest, most cost effective and most timely clearance solution to allow work to start as soon as possible.
General/technical site survey
We work with national Mine Action organisations and the local community to investigate and implement preliminary site assessments. These surveys are critical in allowing the accurate planning and correct deployment of assets.
Landmine/UXO management and clearance
The specific tools chosen to locate and destroy landmines, UXO or stockpiled ammunition will depend upon the terrain, clients’ technical requirements, soil-type and other factors. Any discovered ERW or UXO is dealt with in an appropriate manner, in line with the relevant Mine Action Standards, and with due consideration for the environment.
We also carry out the clearance and decommissioning of former field firing ranges and have extensive experience of ammunition stockpile management, as well as the destruction of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and hand held surface to air missiles (MANPADs) in areas of recent conflict.
Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs)
MDDs enable large areas to be surveyed and suspected contaminated areas to be reduced to those which actually contain landmines. MDDs can be used to support manual teams and mechanical equipment, and are very useful for verification of land cleared by machines as part of the QA/QC process.
Explosive Detection Dogs (EDDs)
EDDs are a highly effective and flexible risk mitigation tool, providing an explosive detection capability and deterrent against illegal and potential life threatening activities. Our dogs are employed in a variety of situations such as searches of areas, buildings, pedestrian and vehicle checkpoints, aircraft and ships.
Underwater survey and EOD disposal
Our underwater EOD dive teams are fully trained and have both military and commercial experience. We use a variety of methods including: diver searches; remotely operated vehicles; side scan sonar; magnetometers; and sub-bottom profiling instruments.
Community relations and socio-economic impact surveys
As part of our programmes, detailed socio-economic impact surveys may be conducted to determine how the mine / UXO threat affects specific areas and communities. These impact surveys are then used to prioritise clearance efforts.
Training and development
Our programmes usually include national capacity-building, creating a skills pool which will enable a nation to become self-reliant and, ultimately, manage its own mine action programme.
Mine Risk Education (MRE) for client staff and affected communities
A key element of our programmes is the provision of mine risk education to clients’ staff and local communities in UXO and mine-affected areas. MRE training includes recognition of the signs of landmine contamination as well as avoidance and correct reporting of mines & UXO.
Quality assurance and quality control
Quality assurance and quality control of mine action programmes ensure that the methodologies employed conform to International Mine Action Standards and/or country specific standards and guidelines.