Methods

Good reconnaissance of every phase of an operation is essential, along with adequate communications systems that will allow control of procedures and reaction to an emergency.

In addition to using metal detectors and prodders to locate and destroy mines by controlled explosion, the manual demining team is responsible for designating minefield areas and providing safety quarters and cleared lanes. They are also responsible for evacuating machine operators, dog handlers and dogs from the minefield in the event of an emergency.

The deminers work in teams of two in order to support each other and to confirm that the correct drills and procedures are applied. The teams are required to stop work immediately if they are unsure how to proceed or if they encounter something new or unexpected.

Deminers work in clearance lanes. They begin with a visual scan of the area looking for evidence of landmines. The area is cleared of vegetation and shrub in preparation for unobstructed sweeping with a metal detector. Once a mine is found the soil is carefully removed in order to expose an adequate amount of the mine to identify its type. The mine is then either destroyed in its place or defused.

Project management is the key to successful mine action operations, not only for safe and effective clearance, but also in terms of achieving productivity and cost efficiency whilst meeting set deadlines. MineTech has refined its mine action project management skills building a strong management and support base at all levels.

Manual mine clearance methods, although arduous and often slow at times, are the most exhaustive and reliable means of mine clearance. This is the only way to guarantee that affected areas have been cleared to humanitarian standards.