Mine Clearance Services

MineTech International views mine clearance and the clearance of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) as a short-term obstacle to development in countries where the recovery of land is imperative in order to move forward.

The process of successful clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) involves a number of different stages and strategies in order to be safe, efficient, cost effective and reliable. MineTech is unique in the industry for having all of the resources required for mine and UXO clearance under one roof.

The methods and technologies that MineTech utilises involve a combination of assets to ensure infected areas have been totally cleared of ERW. The three main means MineTech employs are manual clearance teams, Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) and mechanical methods.

MineTech begins with a reconnaissance of the target area to ascertain the most effective way to proceed. Detailed surveys of affected areas are produced before mine clearance work can begin. To ensure the safety of both the project staff and the indigenous population, the area is prepared with markings to map out the location of the minefield.

MDD are most effective in the rapid reduction of an area to ascertain the exact extent of the contamination as well as identifying the perimeter of the dangerous area. They do this by smelling out the explosives and sitting and waiting for the handlers to mark the spot.

Machines are used to prepare the area by using flails to level out ground covered by heavy vegetation. In the process of flailing an area, the machines will detonate some of the mines in the ground. They do not however detonate all of the mines and the area still has to be checked using manual mine clearance methods and MDD.

Manual mine clearance techniques involve using a variety of tools depending on the task at hand. Clearance of minefields is usually undertaken using metal detectors. In areas of high metal contamination manual teams will prod and sap the ground. Large loop metal detectors are used if there is a sub-surface threat as well as magnetometers that can locate aircraft bombs up to six metres under the ground. Manual clearance is by far the most thorough way to ensure mines and UXO have been cleared.

MineTech is capable of delivering integrated technical solutions for mine clearance using the full spectrum of recognised technologies - manual, dogs, mechanical and ground penetration radar. The range of services provided gives MineTech the ability to deliver appropriate technical solutions providing the flexibility and cost-efficiency for which the company is renowned in the mine clearance industry.

MineTech certifies areas that have been cleared of mines so that the local population can once again inhabit their land without the risk of land mines.