Basic principles

The aim of mine clearance is the identification and removal or destruction of all mine and UXO hazards from a specified area to a specified depth. The managers of humanitarian mine clearance programs must aim to use all available resources to ensure that land is cleared in the most effective manner. This requires management systems and clearance procedures which are appropriate, efficient and safe. The local community should also receive regular briefings and explanations during the clearance operation from the demining organization; this acts as a very effective confidence-building measure. Community liaison is an integral part of the clearance process and can be achieved by the services of a mine risk education team or by suitably-trained members of the clearance organization.

Methods of mine clearance

Within mine action, humanitarian clearance organisations often talk of a ‘toolkit‘ approach to mine clearance. This is typically composed of three elements: manual clearance, mine detection dogs (MDDs) and mechanical mine action systems. These are discussed in turn.

Manual clearance

Manual clearance is the process of using the metal detector and series of tools (prodder, trowl shears) to locate and verify a mine or ERW. Traditionally, humanitarian mine clearance is carried out using clearance teams that work in parallel lanes (approximately 25 meters apart for safety reasons). Working typically on a One Person One Lane basis, a clearance operator works in a one meter wide lane using a metal detector or prodder until he encountered a suspicious object. This is then carefully investigated and if a mine or ERW is confirmed it is destroyed through a controlled explosion (either in place or in a centralized demolitions site at the end of the day’s work).

Mine detection dogs (MDD)

Mine dog detection is a system in which dogs are used as the a detection tool; they are also known as ‘explosive detection dogs’ (EDDs). Dogs can detect extremely low concentrations of many substances. They can also discriminate between a variety of substances: the vapor emanating from mines contains many different substances, which dogs can be trained to recognize. Although dogs cannot be used as a sole means for clearance, they are a powerful tool when used in combination with manual or mechanical systems. When correctly applied and managed MDD can have a positive impact on humanitarian clearance operations through an overall reduction in cost and an increase in productivity.

Mechanical ground preparation

An increasing number of mechanical systems are have been produced which are used to support humanitarian clearance operations. At present, where such machines are used, their operation is usually confined to the reduction of risk by the removal of vegetation and tripwire-operated mines, and some mine destruction as part of area reduction and in support of either manual clearance operations or MDDs. The Geneva Center for Humanitarian Demining GICHD has carried out a study of current mechanical mine clearance equipment, giving better and more objective assessments of its efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness.