Landmine and UXO pollution takes many forms and affect diverse environments and populations. Accordingly ArmorGroup Mine Action teams use an integrated “tool box” approach, employing techniques and resources most relevant to each deployment and clients’ requirements, whether it is:

Manual Clearance

Deployment of clearance teams which use metal detectors and probes to find and clear landmines and UXO. Manual teams are usually deployed in areas of high density contamination or in areas which cannot be accessed by mechanical clearance support systems.

Mine Detection Dogs

Using our specialist mine detection dog (MDD) capability we are able to provide clients with a highly effective tool: MDDs are able to reduce a suspect area size rapidly, saving time, labour and other associated costs; and they also provide Quality Assurance and Quality Control support, most commonly in support of mechanical ground preparation.

Mechanical

Deployment of mechanical systems, such as armoured flails, reduces dangerous or suspect areas and prepares ground for a secondary mine clearance system. Depending on contamination this will usually involve the deployment of manual clearance teams and/or MDDs.

ArmorGroup always works to country-specific and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

ArmorGroup Mine Action teams offer the following capabilities:

Project management and technical consultancy

ArmorGroup’s 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 humanitarian or reconstruction efforts to commence at the earliest opportunity.

Training and development of national capacities

The majority of ArmorGroup’s programmes include national capacity-building in demining, medical support and administration skills in order to facilitate the creation of a skills pool which will enable that nation to become self-reliant and, ultimately, manage its own mine action programme. ArmorGroup has considerable experience in this area, which it conducts to various levels, always in line with International Mine Action Standards.

General and technical site survey and risk assessment

ArmorGroup is experienced at working with national Mine Action bodies and the local community to effectively investigate and implement preliminary site assessments, such as impact or mine surveys. These surveys are a critical component of national mine action plans, allowing the accurate planning and correct deployment of Mine Action assets to address specific problems.

Landmine and UXO clearance including: battle area clearance; range clearance & decommissioning; and ammunition stockpile destruction

Once General and Technical surveys are complete, the clearance phase can begin. Depending upon the terrain, clients’ technical requirements, soil-type and other factors, specific tools will be selected to locate and destroy landmines, UXO or stockpiled ammunition. Any discovered ERW or UXO is dealt with in an appropriate manner and with due consideration for the environment.

Socio-economic impact surveys

Detailed socio-economic impact surveys are conducted to illustrate how the mine / UXO threat is affecting specific areas and communities. These impact surveys are then used to prioritise clearance efforts throughout a region.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control for mine action programmes are vital to ensure that the methodology employed meet with International Mine Action Standards or Country specific guidelines, provide confidence to those intending to use the land post clearance and to assure the donor that funds were expended appropriately.

Mine Risk Education (MRE) and community relations support

A key element of an effective programme is the provision of mine risk education to clients’ staff and local communities in UXO and mine-affected areas. MRE training encompasses how to recognise the signs of landmine contamination as well as avoidance and correct reporting of mines & UXO. All operations conducted by ArmorGroup Mine Action contain an element of MRE work.

Explosive Detection Dogs (EDDs)

EDDs are a highly effective and flexible risk mitigation tool which can be used to provide an explosive detection capability and deterrent against illegal and potential life threatening activities. The dogs are employed in a variety of search situations such as areas, buildings, pedestrian and vehicle checkpoints, aircraft, ships and area searches.

Underwater UXO survey and EOD disposal

ArmorGroup’s underwater EOD dive teams are fully trained and have both military and commercial experience. Using the following methods our teams are able to survey and search the seabed:

• divers;
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV’s);
• side scan sonar;
• magnetometers; and
• sub-bottom profiling instruments

These methods accurately indicate the location of underwater obstructions and possible UXO which may adversely affect the client’s intended operation, allowing us to subsequently destroy or remove the unexploded ordnance found.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (including MANPADS) destruction and ammunition stockpile reduction

ArmorGroup is contracted to support the US Department of State’s Weapons Removal and Abatement Services Programme which includes the destruction of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and hand held surface to air missiles (MANPADs) in areas of recent conflict.