Landmine/UXO clearance & disposal

Landmine and UXO pollution takes many forms and affects diverse environments and populations. Accordingly our Mine Action teams use an integrated “tool box” approach, employing techniques and resources most relevant to each situation. These include: We always work to country-specific and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

G4S Mine Action offers the following capabilities


Project management and 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 humanitarian or reconstruction efforts to commence at the earliest opportunity

Training and development of national capacities
The majority of our programmes include national capacity-building in demining, medical support and administration skills, creating a skills pool which will enable a nation to become self-reliant and, ultimately, manage their own mine action programme

General and technical site survey and risk assessment
We work with national Mine Action organisations 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
Following completion of General and Technical surveys, the clearance phase begins. Clearance may include battle area clearance. 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

Other forms of clearance are the clearance and decommissioning of former military field firing ranges; and ammunition stockpile destruction

Community relations and socio-economic impact surveys
As part of community relations in the mine action context, detailed socio-economic impact surveys may be conducted to determine how the mine / UXO threat is affecting specific areas and communities. These impact surveys are used to prioritise clearance efforts throughout a country or area

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. These activities and processes provide confidence to those intending to use the land post clearance and ensure that donor and project funds are expended appropriately

Mine Risk Education (MRE) for client staff and affected communities
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 contain an element of MRE work

Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs)
Mine Detection Dogs enable large areas to be surveyed and reduced in size from the suspected contaminated area to that which actually contains landmines. They can be employed in conjunction with manual clearance teams and mechanical support 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. The dogs are employed in a variety of search situations such as searches of areas, buildings, pedestrian and vehicle checkpoints, aircraft, and ships

Underwater UXO survey and EOD disposal
Our underwater EOD dive teams are fully trained and have both military and commercial experience to accurately indicate the location of underwater obstructions and possible UXO which may adversely affect a client’s intended operation, allowing us to destroy or remove any unexploded ordnance found. The following can be employed to survey and search the seabed: Small Arms and Light Weapons (including MANPADS) destruction and ammunition stockpile management and reduction
We have extensive, relevant 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.